Second half surge lifts Runnin' Lopes over Knights

Lamar, Colo. – Kateria Gooden led the Knights with 13 points, but North Platte fell behind early and was not able to recover in a 75-51 loss to Lamar Community College on Saturday afternoon.

"The better team won today," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "We couldn't get any defensive stops along with missed opportunities on the offensive end."

The Runnin' Lopes leapt out to a 16-4 lead, before Gooden connected from long range to halt the run with 3:25 remaining. Lamar continued to hold off the Knights while extending their lead to double digits at the end of the first quarter, 20-10.

An 8-0 run to open the second quarter cut the deficit to two on a layup by Zaily Mazarin. Ana Zesati responded with a runner in transition to silence the Knights rally. North Platte stayed within two possessions the rest of the way, as the Runnin' Lopes took a six-point lead into the halftime break, 34-28.

Jada Thompson matched an early bucket by Lamar to cut the deficit to 36-31 with 8:14 to play in the third quarter. The Runnin' Lopes found their rhythm offensively with a 10-0 run, as they extended their lead to 52-39 at the end of the third quarter.

Lamar stretched their momentum into the fourth as they outscored the Knights 23-12 over the final ten minutes to earn the win.

Knights (10-9) return to the hardwood next Saturday against Air Force Prep. Tip is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Colorado Springs, Colo.