Rally lifts Cougars past Knights

North Platte, Neb. – Strong defense helped North Platte limit Western Nebraska early, but a long run reversed the momentum in the second half and carried the Cougars to a 50-40 win inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.

Dazjanae Greene led the Knights with 12 points on 5-of-12 shooting from the field, while Jada Thompson chipped in 11 points to round out the North Platte players in double figures.

Cougars were held at bay offensively, as the Knights forced 18 turnovers in the opening twenty minutes of action. The relentless defense limited the Cougars to five points in the second quarter, while Greene orchestrated the offense to a 23-18 halftime lead.

The margin grew to nine on a three from Thompson in the opening 4:03 of the third quarter, before the Cougars unleashed a long run to steal the momentum. A 17-0 run powered by strong rebounding and quick transition buckets helped Western Nebraska take a 42-34 lead.

The margin was extended to 46-36 with 4:37 remaining, before a short spurt trimmed the deficit to six on a pullup jumper by Greene. Western Nebraska held strong to their lead in the closing minutes and sealed the game out at the free throw line.

North Platte was limited to just 27.9 percent (17-61) shooting from the field, which included 22.2 percent (4-18) from long range. Cougars shot 39.1 percent (18-46) from the floor, while winning the rebounding battle 39-37 in their win.

Knights (11-8) hit the road for a three-game road trip beginning with Southeast Community College on Saturday. Tip is set for 5 p.m. in Lincoln, Neb.