Erickson era begins with win over Hastings

North Platte, Neb. – North Platte Community College avenged an earlier season loss to the Broncos of Hastings College JV, 87-79, on Wednesday night.

Bryce Baez posted his fourth double-double of the season, finishing the game with 21 points to accompany his 11 rebounds. Emmanuel Oladeru also recorded a double-double after tallying 21 points and 11 rebounds in 24 minutes of action.

North Platte managed to take a 40-30 lead into the halftime break behind 16 points from Oladeru. The Knights had a battle on their hands throughout the opening 14:42 of the half, as each run was challenged by the hot perimeter shooting by the Broncos.

Trailing 30-29, the Knights launched an 11-0 run over the final 2:58 of the quarter to take the lead into the halftime break.

The North Platte lead grew in the opening minutes of the second half, but Hastings rallied to cut the margin to 68-65 with 5:29 to play in regulation. A short 8-0 spurt provided some momentary relief as the Knights went back on the offensive. The Broncos narrowed the margin to one possession before a putback by Parker Baumann pushed the lead to 81-76.

North Platte put the game out of reach by going 6-of-8 from the free throw line in the final minute to give Kade Erickson his first win as a head coach.

North Platte (6-6) will close out December with Southeast Community College on Friday afternoon. Tip is set for 2 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.