Runnin’ Lopes down Knights in Region IX matchup

Lamar, Colo. – North Platte had a balanced offense as five players finished in double figures, but a long run in the opening half aided the Runnin' Lopes of Lamar Community College in an 85-70 win on Sunday.

Ramiah Adedigba led all North Platte scorers with 18 points and two steals, while Davion Evans chipped in 11 points on 5-of-13 shooting from the field. Bruce Carpenter (10), Josh Townley-Thomas (10), and Antwone Gonzales (10) rounded out the North Platte scorers in double figures.

North Platte fell behind early as a gritty Lamar team jumped out to a 22-9 advantage in the opening ten minutes. A free throw jumper by Adedigba ended the Lamar run, as the margin was cut to eleven with 9:29 to play.

Lamar once again settled into their rhythm offensively and extended their lead to 31-12 inside the final seven minutes. North Platte responded down the stretch of the opening half to trim the margin to 43-28 by the halftime break.

The Knights rebounded in the second half to cut the deficit to ten as Adedigba was able to finish his contested layup. The Runnin' Lopes lead drifted out to 57-41, but once again the Knights rallied to cut the margin to five after a 14-3 run swung the momentum in favor of North Platte.

Lamar would not go down easily as they quickly extended their lead back to double digits. North Platte attempted to find their rhythm again offensively in the closing minutes, but the deficit was too large to overcome.

North Platte (11-13, 1-7 Region IX South) will return home to take on Western Nebraska Community College on Tuesday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m.