(file photo of Jasmine Gilbert courtesy NPCC Athletics)
La Junta, Colo. – A fast start helps Otero Junior College defeat North Platte 74-59 on Saturday afternoon.
“The first quarter is what did us in today and we could not recover,” said head coach Jeff Thurman. “However, extremely proud of our fight and unwillingness to not give up and quit. We played hard that second half, but it just wasn’t enough.”
Jasmine Gilbert paced the offense with nine points, while Kyenna Jackson added seven rebounds in the effort.
Otero came out strong, scoring the first seven points of the game. The Rattlers continued to build momentum, adding 22 points while holding the Knights to just eight, taking a commanding 29-8 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter was more evenly contested, with both teams trading baskets in a 9-9 stretch. A late jumper by Jackson cut the deficit to 19, as the Knights trailed 38-19 at the break.
North Platte opened the third with a quick four points, but Otero responded with 18 of the next 26 to extend their lead to a game-high 25. The Knights managed to trim the margin to 22 by the end of the quarter.
In the fourth, North Platte went on a 15-2 run, capped by a long-range shot from Alexa Stevens to cut the deficit to 11. Otero answered with four late points to secure the win.
“Now we have to get back to work this week and prepare for the region tournament,” Thurman said. “We are in the win or go home portion of our season and everyday matters.”
North Platte (10-18, 7-7 Region 9 South) will await their opponent at the conclusion of the regular season matchups on Saturday.
