Knights fall to Plainsmen in Region IX action

Sterling, Colo. – Parker Baumann finished with a team high 11 points, but North Platte fell to the Plainsmen of Northeastern Junior College 78-55 at the Bank of Colorado Event Center on Saturday.

Northeastern got off to a hot start behind Deng Diew, as the 6-foot-7 forward connected on 4-of-4 from deep in the opening half. The Plainsmen were in rhythm the entire first half, while holding the Knights to a season low 17.2 percent (5-29) from field goal range.  

North Platte and Northeastern combined for 90 points in the second half, but the Plainsmen continued to maintain control of the momentum. The margin was trimmed to 43-25 with 15:37 to play, as Bryce Baez drove through the contact and managed to finish his floater in the lane.

Plainsmen added to their lead on the next offensive possession, while continuing to fight off the Knights down the stretch to close out their win.

North Platte (9-10, 1-4 Region IX) will continue league action against McCook Community College on Tuesday, Jan. 30. Tip is set for 7:30 inside the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center in McCook.