Knights survive late rally by Lancers to earn win

North Platte, Neb. – Mariah Gardner led the way for the Knights with her team-high 18 points, as the Knights overcame the late rally to defeat the Lancers of Eastern Wyoming College 67-60 on Saturday afternoon.

The sophomore finished the game with 18 points, four rebounds and two assists, while teammate Jada Grigsby closed out the game with 11 points and three rebounds against the Lancers.

"I am proud of our resiliency and fight today," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "The way we responded after the loss on Friday, proved we have what it takes to take the next step toward achieving our goals this season."

North Platte and Eastern Wyoming battled it out throughout the opening ten minutes, but the Lancers managed to take a slight 11-8 lead into the second quarter.

The deficit grew to five before a 12-3 run capped off by a Dazjanae Greene runner gave North Platte the 20-16 lead with 4:38 to play. Eastern Wyoming slowly chipped away at the deficit before hitting the equalizer inside three minutes. Gardner broke the deadlock with a timely three pointer to ignite a short burst and give the Knights the 29-22 lead at the break.

North Platte continued their run in the third quarter, as a flurry of shots from beyond the arc helped the Knights extend their lead to 46-32. The Lancers narrowed the deficit down in the final minute, before making a run in the final ten minutes of regulation.

In the final quarter, Eastern Wyoming outscored the Knights 22-11 in the opening 6:36 to cut the margin to 57-56. Gardner once again responded from deep to ignite the cold offense. Eastern Wyoming attempted to mount the momentum needed to make one final rally, but the Knights closed the game out at the free throw line.

North Platte (2-1) will hit the road to take on Colby Community College on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 5:30 p.m.