Knights take down Lancers in overtime

North Platte, Neb. – Zaily Mazarin scored 17 points in the second half to help North Platte defeat Eastern Wyoming College in overtime, 62-58.

Mazarin recorded 24 points and 16 rebounds on her way to her second double-double of the season. Madison Cheleen tallied 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting from long range, while Nariah Golden rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points.

Knights erased a six-point deficit behind an 8-2 run over the opening 2:44 of the third quarter. The margin stayed within one possession for the final 7:16, setting up for what would be a thrilling next 15 minutes.

A layup by Jada Thompson tied the game up with 8:49 remaining in the fourth quarter. Eastern Wyoming answered with a 6-0 run to stretch their lead to 39-33, before a free throw line jumper broke up the Lancers run. A three from Cheleen sparked a Knights rally as they regained the lead with 4:01 to play.

Lancers responded with a 6-0 run over the next minute to build a three-point lead inside the closing three minutes. A late rally helped the Knights steal back the momentum and regain control on a layup by Mazarin. Eastern Wyoming called a timeout and setup what would be a solid inbound play to force the overtime period.

Eastern Wyoming opened the scoring in the extra period, but four straight points from Mazarin gave the Knights a 55-53 lead. Lancers continued to find ways to match the Knights down the stretch until a three from Cheleen put the black and gold out front for good.

North Platte finished the night shooting 30.1 percent (22-73) from the field, while holding Eastern Wyoming to just 25 percent shooting.

Knights (3-1) will continue home action on Saturday against Laramie County Community College. Tip is set for 1 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.