Knights fall in Region IX South opener

Trinidad, Colo. – Michael Cooper led the Knights with 16 points, but North Platte fell to Trinidad State College 76-65 to open up Region IX South play Friday night.

The Knights trailed for most of the first half, as Trinidad raced out to a 19-10 advantage. North Platte slowly cut into the deficit, before a 10-2 run ignited by a Efraim Kouame-Palm three pointer gave the Knights their first lead of the game inside five minutes to play.

Trinidad answered with a run of their own over the next two minutes to regain the lead. An Emmanuel Oladeru floater helped the Knights close out the half on a 9-3 spurt, as North Platte held a slight 40-38 edge at the halftime break.

North Platte got off to a strong start in the second half, as a 10-1 run stretched the lead to 50-39 on a pair of Parker Baumann free throws. The Trojans continued to challenge the Knights, as the lead was cut to four on multiple occasions over the next eight minutes.

North Platte went cold from the field in the final ten minutes, as Trinidad outscored the Knights 23-4 to earn the come from behind win.

Knights (7-7) return to Region IX South action on Saturday against Otero Junior College. Tip is set for 5 p.m. in La Junta, Colo.