The Western Nebraska Community College men's basketball team put five players in double figures and survived a North Platte Community College last second shot to register a 93-91 Region IX South win Saturday afternoon at Cougar Palace.
The was WNCC's 18th of the season, but more importantly keeps the Cougars just a half game behind conference leading Laramie County Community College. WNCC is 9-4 in conference play while LCCC is 9-3.
Saturday's win was also special as it was the last home game for the men's basketball team, where they honored the four sophomores – Austin Payne, RJ Palmer, Michael Connor, Jr., and Jeremy Ruffin.
Palmer, who finished with 12 points, said it has been a nice two years.
"There is no other place I would want to play besides Cougar Palace," Palmer said. "I get to leave with a win with my sophomores. We showed toughness and we were able to push through."
More importantly, Palmer said the way this team played Saturday to get the win is even more impressive.
"This is a big win for us and the community," Palmer said. "They continue to show us support at home and I thankful that me and my teammates and coaches battled through adversity and continued to push through the game and persevered for the win."
And it wasn't an easy game either as both teams hit shot after shot and there were a lot of rebounding.
"This is Region IX competition so it is always tough," Palmer said. "The tougher team always comes out on top and tonight it was us. We just have to keep moving forward.'
With five players in double figures, led by Djodje Dimitrijevic with 30 points, including three 3-pointers, the Cougars used a team effort in the win.
"Also netting double figures were Scottsbluff's Trent Harris with 14 points, Marlon Sierra with 13, Palmer with 12, and Connor with 10.
Saturday's contest was definitely an offensive show as both teams shot over 50 percent – WNCC 55 percent and North Platte 54 percent. Both teams also combined on 21 3-pointers. North Platte buried 12, led by Samuel Kearns with four, while WNCC had nine treys with Dimitrijevic nailing three and Harris and Connor each getting two.
As much as the offense was clicking – North Platte led 47-43 at the half – it turned out that defense would win the game. WNCC grabbed their first lead of the game at 56-54 on a Harris bucket. After that, North Platte only led twice more, at 58-56 and 78-77, but both leads were short-lived.
The Cougars led 90-86 with 42.8 seconds to play. North Platte cut the lead to 90-89 on a bucket by Dontae Champion. Dimitrijevic nailed two free throws for a 92-89 lead and then at 93-91 with seven seconds to play. North Platte had a chance to tie or win the game, but couldn't get a shot off before the horn went off.
WNCC will be back in action for two more Region IX South contests next weekend when they travel to face Lamar Community College and Northeastern Junior College.
North Platte 47 44 – 91
WNCC (18-9) 43 50 – 93
NORTH PLATTE
Dontae Champion 9, Victor Lewis 19, Nate Duda 8, Samuel Kearns 19, Jack Williams 2, Godrey Rolle 14, Mike Arnius 18, Buom Dobuol 2.
WNCC
Austin Payne 2, Trent Harris 14, RJ Palmer 12, Vinnie Shahid 5, Michael Connor 10, Jalan Brown 6, Marlon Sierra 13, Djordje Dimitrijevic 30, Jeremy Ruffin 1.