Knights hold off late Trojans rally

Trinidad, Colo. – The North Platte women's basketball team withstood a late fourth-quarter surge from Trinidad State to secure a 64-63 victory Friday night.

"We found a way to win tonight even though we didn't have our best night on the defensive end," said head coach Jeff Thurman. "Proud of our effort and ability to make free throws when they mattered."

Jasmine Gilbert and Dezirae Gonzales paced the offense with 13 points each, while Gilbert also contributed four steals. Kyenna Jackson added eight rebounds in the effort.

North Platte opened the game with the first four points from the free-throw line. The Trojans cut the lead to one with 4:58 left in the first quarter, but the Knights answered with a 7–0 run, capped by a Gonzales three-pointer, to go up eight at the end of the period.

Trinidad State made another push in the second, but the Knights held steady and took a 33-24 lead into halftime.

A jump shot by Gilbert opened the third quarter and pushed the Knights lead to 11. Trinidad State answered with a strong stretch, scoring 18 of the next 29 points to trim the deficit to four heading into the final period.

North Platte extended its lead back to seven in the fourth, but the Trojans fought back and pulled within one with 27 seconds remaining. The Knights converted three free throws to create separation. Trinidad State cut it to one in the final second, but it wasn't enough as North Platte held on for the win.

"We need to clean up a few things and be better tomorrow against a very good Otero squad," Thurman said.

North Platte (10-17, 7-6 Region 9 South) closes out the regular season against Otero Junior College on Saturday. Tip is set for 2 p.m. in La Junta, Colo.