Knights fall to No. 17 New Mexico Junior College

Hobbs, N.M. – North Platte Community College men's basketball fell to No. 17 New Mexico Junior College, 82-70, on the road Tuesday night.

Brady Kennison led the Knights with 18 points, while Justus Michael added 13 points and four assists. Winston Allen was strong on the glass, pulling down eight rebounds off the bench.

"We had some chances tonight, but mistakes led to bad runs," said head coach Jacob Brandl. "You just can't do that against a nationally ranked team."

North Platte scored six of the game's first 13 points before the Thunderbirds found their rhythm with a 6-0 run. New Mexico built its first double-digit lead with 12:03 remaining in the first half, though Allen's dunk pulled the Knights back within single digits. The Thunderbirds closed the half strong to take a 45-33 lead into the break.

The Knights opened the second half on a 9-2 run capped by a deep three from Kennison to cut the deficit to four. The Thunderbirds responded by extending their lead, but North Platte once again cut it to four following a dunk by Josh Osayanrhion. New Mexico answered with one final run to create enough separation to secure the win.

"We battled and generated good looks that just didn't fall," Brandl said. "If a few more go down around the rim, it's a completely different game."

Knights (7-7) return to action on Wednesday against University of Arkansas - Cossatot. Tip is set for 1 p.m. at the Caster Activity Center in Hobbs, N.M.