Late surge lifts Knights past Colorado Northwestern

McCook, Neb.– Aliyah Herron scored a career high 20 points to help North Platte earn their first victory of the season, defeating Colorado Northwestern 59–54 on Saturday afternoon at the McCook Classic.

"We battled all day, and I could not be prouder of these student-athletes," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "We made the necessary plays on both ends of the floor in the fourth quarter to win." 

Ligia Thortvedt opened the game with a three-pointer, but the Spartans quickly responded. A basket from Shelby briefly gave the Knights the lead before Colorado Northwestern closed the first quarter on a 9-0 run to go up 19-11.

North Platte answered in the second, scoring the first nine points of the period to swing momentum back in its favor. Stifling defense kept the Spartans scoreless until the 3:16 mark, but a late push gave Colorado Northwestern a 28–21 advantage at halftime.

Colorado Northwestern extended its lead early in the third, scoring eight of the first ten points. The Knights fought back, trading baskets before Herron ignited a 12-2 run, starting and finishing the surge by connecting from beyond the arc, to pull North Platte within four heading into the fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter opened slowly for both teams, with the Spartans striking first with 6:51 remaining. North Platte answered with an 8-0 surge, but a three pointer swung the momentum back in favor of the Spartans. The Knights dug deep, closing the game on a nine-point run to secure their first win of the season.

Knights (1-3) return to action on Tuesday against Dodge City Community College. Tip is set for 6 p.m. inside The Dome in Dodge City, Kan.