Knights outlast Lamar in overtime to tally first sub-region win

North Platte, Neb. – Ramiah Adedigba finished the night with 33 points, as North Platte outlasted Lamar Community College 103-102 in overtime on Tuesday night.

Adedigba's point total is his second highest of the season to pace three Knights players in double digits. Bruce Carpenter closed out the game with 27 points on 10-of-24 shooting, while teammate Davion Evans chipped in 16 points, five rebounds and six assists in the win.

The Runnin' Lopes rebounded from the first half deficit to retake the lead in the early moments of the second half. The game remained tight as the margin never exceeded five until the final minute of regulation. A pair of free throws from Adedigba pushed the Knights lead to 91-85, but a 7-1 run capped off by a desperation three pointer in the closing seconds forced the game into an overtime period.

In the extra period, the Knights and Runnin' Lopes exchanged the lead as the early moments featured three lead changes. Aleksa Rudic provided the spark the Knights needed off the bench in the final frame as a follow tip and pullup jumper helped the Knights maintain the slight edge.

Lamar responded with a big three by Abel Maes to briefly take the lead, but clutch free throws from Adedigba in the final seconds proved to be what the Knights needed to earn the victory.

As a team, the Knights closed out the game shooting 46.2 percent (36-78) from the field, including 23-of-32 from the free throw line.

North Platte surged out to a 12-7 lead in the opening minutes of first half, as Carpenter drove the lane and finished the contested layup. The Runnin' Lopes never let the Knights run away and narrowed the lead to one on an alley-oop dunk by Connor Landell, but the Knights managed to rebuild a six-point lead with 7:06 to play in the opening half.

The Runnin' Lopes attempted to swing the momentum by utilizing a short burst to retake the lead, but Carpenter completed the old fashioned three-point play on the Knights next offensive possession to steal back the lead. North Platte never relinquished their lead in the closing minutes of the opening half and built a 48-44 advantage at the break.

North Platte (10-10) returns home for Scouts Recognition Day on Saturday against Southeast Community College. Tip is set for 4 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.