North Platte Community College defeated Laramie County Community College, 94-77, in their season opener on Friday at the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.

With the game tied at 4-4, NPCC took the lead on a dunk by Joseph Badejo. Justus Michael scored the next two baskets for the Knights. North Platte continued to roll as Winston Allen drove for a layup and John Sims IV made a deep three-pointer.

The Knights remained in control for the rest of the first half and led 47-35 at the break.

Laramie County came out of the locker room and got back in it with a 9-0 run. The Eagles from Cheyenne, Wyo. pulled to within one possession, 47-44, on a three by T.J. Coulter.

Laramie County tied on three occasions in the second half. But NPCC surged again to put the Eagles away.

With the game tied at 71, Allen put the Knights ahead for good with a putback dunk. Brady Kennison made a pair of free throws. Danny Benjamin converted on a reverse layup. Kennison made two more free throws before Benjamin hit a corner three off the feed from Kennison to put North Platte up by 11. The Knights never relinquished control after that to start the season with a victory.

Laramie County CC 77

North Platte CC 94

Halftime: North Platte CC 47, Laramie County 35

Laramie County CC (77)-T.J. Coulter 25, Anthony Nettles 7, Brevin Phillips 16, Karim Elgazawy 12, Isaac Fiagbe 8, Jepthe Thambaia 7, Damarius Roberts 2

North Platte CC (94)-Brady Kennison 16, Winston Allen 12, Dennis Rocha 5, Danny Benjamin 8, Daniel Nwauzu 6, John Sims IV 6, Joseph Badejo 7, Justus Michael 21, Brandon Domsch 4, Josh Osayanrihon 9

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