Big second half leads Knights to win

McCook, Neb. – North Platte erupts for 51 second half points in a 93-65 win over McCook Community College on Tuesday night at the Peter and Dolores Graff Events Center.

Davion Evans led six North Platte players in double figures with 20 points, while Emmanuel Oladeru and Michael Cooper combined for 32 points in the win.

The Knights shot 51.5 percent (34-66) from the field, including 21-of-26 from the free throw line.

North Platte trailed 13-4 before a 9-2 run evened the game at 15-15 with 12:06 to play in the opening half. McCook rebuilt a nine-point advantage with 10:27 remaining, but an 11-3 run over the next 4:10 cut the margin to 27-26. The remainder of the half would be tightly contested until a 14-2 run helped the Knights carry a 42-33 lead into the halftime break.

North Platte never relinquished their lead in the second half, as they stretched their lead to 68-47 on a baseline jumper from Landon Broer with 10:55 to play. The Knights continued to shoot lights out down the stretch of the second half to snap a two-game losing streak.

North Platte (10-10, 2-4 Region IX South) returns to Nebraska Community College Athletic Conference action on Friday against Southeast Community College. Tip is set for 7 p.m. in Lincoln.