North Platte falls in overtime to Rattlers

La Junta, Colo. – North Platte Community College men's basketball team fought hard, but ultimately fell to Otero Junior College, 70-65, in overtime on Saturday evening.

North Platte took an early 18-9 lead on a pair of free throws from Davion Evans, but the Rattlers went on a 15-4 run over the next seven minutes to take back the momentum. Knights and Rattlers continued to exchange baskets over the final 5:03, but Otero hung on for the 31-28 halftime advantage.

The Knights rebounded in the second half to recapture the lead and stretch the margin to 54-44 with 9:41 remaining. Lance Price ignited the Rattlers offense, as a 10-0 run evened the game up inside four minutes to play. A North Platte 7-0 run was countered in the final minute to send the game into overtime.

The Rattlers jumped out to a 67-61 lead in the opening 3:08 of the overtime period, before Michael Cooper capitalized on the baby hook in the lane to cut the margin to four. Otero continued to add to their lead in the final minute to close out the win.  

Knights (7-8) return home on Wednesday to take on Lamar Community College. Tip is set for 7 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.