Knights survive in overtime against Raiders

Columbus, Neb. – Mo Diao scored 10 points in the overtime period to help North Platte escape with the 96-92 win over Central Community College on Friday.

Diao recorded his seventh double-double of the season, totaling 18 points and 15 rebounds. Alex Harper led the Knights in scoring with 24 points, while Sedrick Nari added 19 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.

"Played some of our best basketball in the first half," said head coach Jacob Brandl. "We weren't as sharp in the second, but guys made plays when we needed it."

Central utilized some strong runs late in the second half to cut a double-digit second half deficit to 79-77 with 1:49 to play. Raiders picked up a stop on defense before Ronan Parker stepped to the free throw line and knocked down a pair of free throws to send the game into overtime.

North Platte went 2:39 without a field goal, but quickly built a six-point lead in the opening two minutes of the extra period. Ethan Wiley caught fire from long range as his seven points during a 7-2 run cut the lead to 90-89.

A layin by Diao stretched the margin to three, but a three from Parker knotted the game up inside the final minute. Nari attacked the basket and got his layup to fall, before an errant pass and transition dunk by Diao gave the Knights a four-point edge. Central attempted to attack the rim on their next possession, but a block by Diao sealed the game for North Platte.

North Platte finished the game shooting 46.5 percent from the field (33-71), including 13-of-31 from long range.

Knights started the game on fire, as they jumped out to a 28-5 lead on seven points from Justus Michael. Central slowly trimmed the margin to 39-24 with 3:58 remaining, but North Platte extended their lead to 49-31 at the halftime break.

Knights (14-9, 3-1 NCCAC) return to road action on Saturday against Southeast Community College. Tip is set for 3 p.m. in Lincoln.