Knights open Region IX Crossover with loss to Mustangs

Sterling, Colo. – Landon Broer had a career high 16 points, but North Platte was unable to overcome a Western Wyoming rally in the opening minutes of the second half in a 71-67 loss Friday afternoon.

Broer connected on 4-of-6 shots from downtown to lead four Knights players in double figures. North Platte finished the game shooting 46.6 percent (26-61) from the floor, including 6-of-17 from beyond the arc.

The Mustangs leapt out to an 18-10 advantage in the opening 11:28 of the first half. Broer found a crease in the defense and was able to finish at the basket to ignite the Knights offense. The layup triggered a 12-5 run, which cut the margin to one inside the final five minutes. North Platte settled in down the stretch as they built a three-point advantage by the halftime break.

The margin grew to 36-29 in the opening minute of the second half, but a 15-2 run over the next 5:16 helped the Mustangs recapture the momentum. Western Wyoming pushed their lead into double digits where it would remain until Michael Cooper connected from long range with 5:44 to play.

The Mustangs offense hit a cold spell, as the Knights trimmed the deficit down to 66-64 as the clock moved inside 2:35 remaining. A short 5-3 spurt in the final minutes ended the Knights chances of completing the come from behind victory.

North Platte (4-6) will conclude the Region IX Crossover on Saturday against Eastern Wyoming College. Tip is set for 6:30 p.m. inside the Bank of Colorado Event Center in Sterling.