Knights fall in thriller to Western Nebraska

North Platte, Neb. – North Platte battled to the last second but fell at home to Western Nebraska Community College Friday night, 101-97.

Sedrick Nari led the Knights with 23 points on 3–of–7 shooting from beyond the arc. Alex Harper recorded 18 points, while Justus Michael added 18 points and nine rebounds.

"We played well enough to win tonight," said head coach Jacob Brandl. "Western Nebraska made some big shots and got to the free throw line down the stretch, that helped them earn the win."

Knights jumped out to a 20-8 lead on a three from Harper. North Platte continued to maintain their lead until a 12-4 run cut the margin to six at the halftime break.

The second half began with teams trading buckets, until six straight points knotted the game up at 63-63 with 12:54 remaining. Over the next nine minutes, the lead never surpassed four points until a quick 6-0 burst pushed the Cougars advantage to 91-83. Six straight points from Nari pulled the Knights back to within two with 1:39 left in regulation. 

Western Nebraska managed to stretch their lead to 97-91, before a quick 6-2 run cut the deficit to 99-97 on a Summers three pointer. North Platte fouled on the inbound and sent Maker to the free throw line. Maker knocked down both free throw attempts to help the Cougars close out the win. 

Knights (13-8) will be back in action against rival McCook Community College on Tuesday. Tip is set for 7 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.