Scottsbluff, Neb. – North Platte rebounded from a 15-point halftime deficit only to have Western Nebraska spoil the comeback on a buzzer beater on Wednesday night, 85-83.
“A really bad run in the first half made it tough on us” said head coach Jacob Brandl. “At the end of the day, winning is in the details and our details weren’t consistent enough to get it done.”
A three from Kellon Harris helped Western Nebraska stretch their lead to 11-4 with 15:04 to play. Justus Michael, who accounted for 16 first half points, triggered an 8-0 run that helped North Platte capture their first lead of the game. Western Nebraska went on to outscore the Knights down the stretch as they extended their lead to 44-29 at the halftime break.
North Platte fought back in the second half as a pair of free throws from Omel Occeus gave the Knights the 77-76 edge with 5:28 to play. The margin stayed within one possession the rest of way as teams continued to exchange blows.
Inside the final minute, Michael got his putback to fall to knot the game up at 83-83. Western Nebraska inbounded the ball and crossed the timeline before calling their final timeout. A baseline jumper from Elijah Hollins was off the mark, but it fell into the hands of Elijah Burney who had just enough time to tip the ball in for the Cougar win.
Knights (16-10) continue Region IX action at home on Friday against Northeastern Junior College. Tip is set for 7 p.m. in the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.
