Story by NPCC Athletic Communications
Torrington, Wyo. – The North Platte Community College men’s basketball team returned to the win column Saturday afternoon with a 95-89 victory over Eastern Wyoming.
Dennis Rocha finished the game with a team-high 23 points and nine rebounds. Justus Michael (18), Brady Kennison (18) and Sedrick Nari (14) rounded out the North Platte scorers in double figures.
"We made way too many mental mistakes that gave them easy shots around the rim in the first half” said head coach Jacob Brandl. “We made some adjustments at the break and played a great second half.”
The opening twenty minutes featured a back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to gain much separation. Eastern Wyoming used a late surge, closing the half on a 12-2 run, but a deep three from Daniel Benjamin in the final seconds helped North Platte cut the deficit to 43-37 at the break.
Kennison ignited a 10-0 run by connecting from long range to knot the game up at 49-49 with 16:50 remaining. The teams continued trading blows, resulting in 10 ties in the second half. North Platte made the most of their opportunities down the stretch using a 16–2 run to secure the road win.
"Felt like this was a must win, and we had a lot of guys step up and make big plays," Brandl said.
Knights (6-6) return to action at home on Monday against Hastings College JV. Tip is set for 7 p.m. in the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.