The North Platte Community College men’s basketball team held off McCook Community College for an 85-81 win to open Region 9 South play on Saturday.

“This was a big-time basketball game and our guys responded in big moments,” NPCC Head Coach Jacob Brandl said. “We got really sloppy the final four minutes, but our guys learned from experiences and got big stops when we needed.”

A back-and-forth battle kept the crowd on their feet during the first half, as the margin stayed within two possessions. McCook closed out the first half with a pair of free throws as the game remained deadlocked at 47-47 headed into halftime.

The second half opened much like the first, with momentum swinging back and forth. The Knights (9-7) put together a pair of runs, highlighted by a decisive 12-0 stretch that helped them build a comfortable lead. McCook responded by cutting the deficit to three in the closing minutes, but North Platte held firm down the stretch to secure the victory.

“McCook is a really talented team and showed that tonight,” Brandl said. “I’m proud of our effort and attention to detail when it mattered.”

North Plattereturns home on Friday against Trinidad State College. Tip is set for 7 p.m. in the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.

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