Knights edge Raiders in NCCAC opener

Columbus, Neb. – North Platte men's basketball team opens Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference play with a 73-69 win over Central Community College on Saturday.

Bryce Baez tallied his fifth double-double of the season, finishing with 19 points to accompany his 13 rebounds in 33 minutes. Michael Cooper accounted for 16 points, while Parker Baumann (13) and Davion Evans (10) rounded out the North Platte players in double figures.

North Platte dominated the opening 7:45 of the first half, as a putback from Emmanuel Oladeru stretched the lead to 23-3. Central limited the Knights offense for the remainder of the half, while outscoring North Platte 27-8 to cut the margin to two by the halftime break.

The battle raged on as the lead changed hands four times in the opening 12:32 of the second half. A dunk in transition by Cooper helped stretch the Knights lead to seven, but a Central run narrowed the margin to one inside the final minute.

Oladeru earned a trip to the free throw line where he connected on the front end of two free throw opportunities, as the margin stayed within one possession. Blake Daberkow had an opportunity to knot the game up, but strong defense by Oladeru altered the shot.

A Knights rebound earned Baumann a trip to the free throw line, where he put the finishing touches on the North Platte victory by connecting on both free throw opportunities.

Knights (9-8) will return to the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on Tuesday, Jan. 23 to continue Region IX South play. Tip against Western Nebraska Community College is set for 7 p.m.