Story by NPCC Athletic Communications
Cheyenne, Wyo. – Mo Diao notched his first double digit performance of the season, but a 31-3 run in the second half lifted Laramie County Community College to a 77-75 win on Saturday night.
“I am proud of the guys for battling at the end to give us a chance to win the game,” said head coach Jacob Brandl. “Laramie is a well-coached team, and they challenged us in the second half.”
Diao finished with 13 points to accompany his eight rebounds and six blocks, while Alex Harper and Sedrick Nari each notched 12 points, respectively.
Knights pushed their lead to 53-33 after a 10-3 run to open the second half. Laramie County responded to take their first lead of the game on a 31-3 run. A bucket by Justus Michael quieted the run, but the Golden Eagles weren’t done adding to their lead.
The deficit grew to eight before a North Platte 4-0 run cut the margin to 66-62. Laramie County answered by stretching their lead back to eight inside five minutes to play. North Platte made one last surge in the closing stages, but Laramie County held off the rally to complete the come from behind win.
In the opening half, Diao broke open the scoring before the Knights managed to push their lead to 16-6 on a pair of free throws by Michael. The Golden Eagles cut the margin to four twice over the next 6:29, but the Knights continued to hold the momentum.
An 8-2 run capped off by a Dennis Rocha contested runner in the lane pushed the margin back into double digits with 2:58 to play in the half. Knights continued to challenge the defense as they stretched their lead to 43-30 at the halftime break.
Knights (1-1) open the home portion of their schedule on Tuesday against Colby Community College. Tip is set for 7 p.m. inside the McDonald-Belton Gymnasium.