North Platte survives thriller against Eastern Wyoming

Torrington, Wyo. – Jevarrick Butler matched a career high 26 points to lead five North Platte players in double-figures, as the Knights shot 54 percent from the field in a 90-77 win over Eastern Wyoming on Friday night.

North Platte took a quick 18-10 lead but was unable to continue their momentum, as the Lancers pulled back within one with 7:30 remaining in the opening half. Eastern Wyoming kept their momentum going and briefly took the lead on a pair of free throws, but the Knights recaptured the lead on a layup by Bruce Carpenter ten seconds later.

Butler helped push the Knights lead back to six with two field goals on back-to-back offensive possessions. Lancers made one last run, but the Knights managed to hold on to the four-point advantage at the break, 41-37.

Knights quickly extended the margin to eight by scoring the first two buckets of the second half. Their lead never fell below four until the 10:06 mark of the half, when Eastern Wyoming connected from downtown.

North Platte had a serious battle on their hands even though they never relinquished their lead. Eastern Wyoming cut the deficit to one a minute later, but the Knights found their rhythm and pushed their lead to ten on a Antwone Gonzales layup with 3:04 to play.

Lancers again attempted one last run over the closing minutes, but the Knights defense limited good looks at the basket. Butler and Ramiah Adedigba combined to go 3-of-4 from the free throw line over the final ninety seconds to seal the road win.

Knights (2-0) return to the hardwood on Saturday against Laramie County Community College. Tip is set for 5 p.m. inside the RAC Gymnasium.