Story by NPCC Athletic Communication
North Platte, Neb.– A 22-point second quarter helps North Platte take down Southeast Community College, 65-50, to open Region IX play on Tuesday night.
Zaily Mazarin capped off a perfect shooting night by going 5-of-5 from the field, while tallying 12 points and two blocks. Madison Cheleen matched her teammate with 12 points by connecting on 4-of-11 from long range.
"It was a great team win tonight,” said head coach Jeff Thurman. “I am proud of our defensive effort and attention to detail tonight.”
North Platte jumped out to a 12-6 lead on a layup by EmmaJo Locks, but Southeast surged back with a 7-1 run over the final 3:14 to tie the game up at 13-13 headed into the second quarter.
Southeast continued their run into the second quarter as they extended their lead to 21-15 with 7:42 to play. North Platte answered by holding the Bobcats scoreless over the next 4:17, while mounting a 16-0 run to take a 31-21 lead on a three by Nariah Golden.
Southeast cut the margin to four inside the final minute, but back-to-back steals from Nariah Golden helped ignite a 4-0 run to extend the margin to 35-27 headed into halftime.
North Platte held Southeast to three points in the opening 7:21 of the third quarter, while stretching their lead to 44-30. Knights continued to maintain a double digit lead the rest of the way to earn the Region IX win.
Knights (11-10) return to Region IX action on Saturday against Central Community College. Tip is set for 2 p.m. inside the Raider Field House in Columbus