Colorado Springs, Colo.– North Platte used a strong third quarter to cut into the deficit, but it was not enough to upset Air Force Prep on Saturday afternoon, 73-55.
“We battled in the second half, but we just could not get our offense going,” said head coach Jeff Thurman. “Now we have to regroup and get ready for a big week against Southeast and Central.”
Air Force Prep opened up a five-point lead in the early stages of the first quarter, until a putback from Joie Rodriguez cut into the Huskies lead. Air Force Prep continued to add to their lead down the stretch, as they used a 14-2 run to extend their lead to 27-12 at the end of the first quarter.
Knights traded buckets with the Huskies in the second quarter, as the margin increased to 16 at the halftime break.
North Platte used a 6-0 run to open the third quarter to cut into the double-digit deficit. Huskies ended their scoring drought by connecting from long range, but their lead was trimmed to six headed into the final ten minutes.
Air Force Prep settled back into their offense in the fourth quarter, as two long runs over the final ten minutes held off any attempt at a Knights rally.
Knights (10-10) return to their homecourt on Tuesday for a Region IX matchup with Southeast Community College. Tip is scheduled for 5 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.
