Story by NPCC Athletic Communications
La Junta, Colo. – Davion Evans led three North Platte players in double figures with 24 points, but Otero Junior College rallied in the overtime period to earn the 91-87 win to open the Region IX postseason tournament on Saturday.
North Platte erased a double-digit halftime deficit to retake the lead on an Emmanuel Oladeru layup midway through the second half. The margin stayed within two possessions down the stretch, before the Rattlers rallied late to force the overtime period.
Otero never trailed in overtime as they built a five-point advantage in the opening 1:12 of the period. North Platte once again chipped away at the deficit to knot the game up on an Evans runner inside the final two minutes. Rattlers responded with a 6-2 spurt in the final minute to seal the opening round win.
Knights finished the game shooting 41.4 percent (29-70) from the field, while connecting on 8-of-25 from long range. Otero won the rebounding battle, 50-37, while their bench chipped in 32 points in the win.
A long run helped Otero shake off a slow start as they jumped out to an 18-8 lead with 13:04 to play in the opening half. Jesper Hallberg got his follow attempt to fall, but the Rattlers quickly pushed their lead back into double digits. Otero stretched their lead to 41-23, until a 12-4 rally cut the deficit to ten at the halftime break.
North Platte completes the 2023-24 season with a 13-16 record.