Knights lose heartbreaker in overtime

North Platte, Neb. – Davion Evans had a season best 26 points to lead three North Platte players in double figures, but Western Nebraska earned the 81-80 victory in overtime on Tuesday night.

Evans led the way to open the extra period, as a 6-2 burst gave the 75-71 advantage to the home team with 2:56 to play. Western Nebraska climbed back within one inside two minutes, before a deep three from JJ Harris put the Cougars out front for the final time.

North Platte finished the game shooting 43.5 percent (30-69) from the field, which included 33.3 percent (7-21) from long range. Western Nebraska forced 19 turnovers in the win, while connecting on 38.8 percent (31-80) of their shots from the floor

North Platte jumped out to an early 24-14 lead behind seven points from Bryce Baez. Evans joined the perimeter shooting parade to stretch the margin to 27-14, but a late rally narrowed the margin to six inside the final four minutes.

Evans ignited the offense with a mid-range jumper to end the rally with 3:35 remaining in the half. North Platte continued to match the Cougars down the stretch and took a 44-33 lead into the halftime break.

A 14-2 run in the early minutes of the second half helped the Cougars erase the double-digit halftime deficit. North Platte responded to knot the game up with 3:02 to play, before a quick 4-0 burst pushed the Knights lead to 69-65. The Cougars responded in the final minute to force the overtime period.

Knights (9-9, 1-3 Region IX South) continue Region IX South play on Saturday against Northeastern Junior College. Tip is set for 5 p.m. at the Bank of Colorado Event Center in Sterling.