Knights fight off Trojans to begin Region IX play

Trinidad, Colo. – Mo Diao had a team-high 25 points to lift North Platte to a 79-76 win over Trinidad State College on Friday night.

"We did a good job of handling their pressure," said head coach Jacob Brandl. "We have a quick turnaround with another high-quality opponent tomorrow."

Diao, who returned to the starting lineup, carried the Knights with 19 points in the second half after connecting on 8-of-10 from the field. Trey Summers finished the game with 14 points, while Sedrick Nari rounded out the Knights double digit scorers with 10 points.

North Platte got off to a hot start, but Trinidad used a 6-0 run to cut the margin to one. Knights and Trojans continued to exchange buckets and the lead throughout the first half, as they headed into halftime deadlocked at 38-38. 

A 7-3 run at the midway point of the second half helped North Platte build a 58-48 lead. Trinidad slowly cut into the margin over the next 11 minutes to knot the game up on a three by Davin Davenport with 16 seconds to play.

North Platte charged up the floor before getting the ball in the hands of Diao who was fouled with six seconds to play. Diao stepped to the free throw line and knocked down his second free throw to put the Knights out front. A steal by Summers on the Trinidad inbound iced the game, as he knocked down his two attempts to close out the win.

North Platte (10-6) returns to action on Saturday against Otero Junior College. Tip is set for 3 p.m. in La Junta, Colo.