Kyenna Jackson gets a layup in the second half comeback against Western Nebraska on Saturday afternoon. (Skylar Evans, North Platte Community College)
North Platte, Neb. – Dezirae Gonzales tallied eight of her 10 points in the fourth quarter to help the Knights earn the 69-66 come from behind win over Western Nebraska on Saturday afternoon.
“What a great team win today for our student-athletes and our program,” said head coach Jeff Thurman. “We battled all game on the defensive end, and I am really proud of our effort.”
Ligia Thortvedt and Kyenna Jackson paced the Knights offensively with 16 points apiece, while Jasmine Gilbert pulled down eight rebounds to accompany her five points.
Facing an eight-point deficit headed into the final quarter, Gonzales jump started a Knights 13-3 run by connecting from long range, helping North Platte reclaim the lead with 6:13 remaining. Offenses cooled over the final six minutes, but Western Nebraska tied the game at 63-63 on a baseline jumper by Ella Chesta-Carty.
Herron then split the defense and finished at the rim to put the Knights ahead for good. North Platte extended its lead to five in the closing seconds and although Western Nebraska converted a pair of free throws, it wasn’t enough as the Knights secured the victory.
North Platte shot 27-of-57 from the field and 3-of-13 from beyond the arc. The Knights controlled the boards, outrebounding Western Nebraska 43-33.
Western Nebraska set the tone early, using an 11-0 run in the first quarter to build a 10-point advantage. North Platte chipped away at the deficit, trimming it to 18–13 by the end of the period. The Cougars carried their momentum into the second quarter, outscoring the Knights by five to take a 42-32 lead into halftime.
“We found a way to win,” Thurman said. “In February and March, that’s what matters most.”
North Platte (9-17, 6-6 Region 9 South) closes out the regular season with back-to-back road games beginning with Trinidad State on Friday. Tip is set for 6 p.m. inside the Scott Gym in Trinidad, Colo.
