Late run lifts Runnin’ Lopes past Knights

North Platte, Neb. – Samantha Riggles scored 16 of her 18 points in the second half, but Lamar Community College edged the Knights 71-63 inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium on Tuesday evening.

The Knights erased a double-digit deficit in the second quarter behind a strong shooting performance from Jada Grigsby. Lamar leapt out to a 24-11 lead with 8:54 remaining in the second period before a 10-4 spurt cut the margin to seven.

A pair of free throws from Donna Green stretched the margin to nine, but an 11-3 run helped the Knights shift the momentum. Grigsby accounted for nine of the 11 points during the stretch, knocking down three straight shots from the perimeter to propel the Knights into the lead. Leah Delgarito had the answer and connected from deep in the closing seconds to give the Runnin' Lopes a 34-32 halftime lead.

North Platte continued to fend off the Runnin' Lopes in the third quarter, but Lamar stayed within striking distance. Lamar used the final ten minutes to erase the deficit and launch a 16-4 run, as the lead changed hands one final time in the closing minutes.

North Platte (10-7) will hit the road this weekend for a Region IX matchup with Central Community College. Tip is set for 2 p.m. in Columbus.