STERLING, Colo. --  The Western Nebraska Community College men's basketball team were on the heels of victory Friday against Northeastern Junior College.

                But, the Plainsmen spoiled the victory celebration, battling back from an 87-79 WNCC lead with two minutes to play to upend the Cougars 90-89 in an action-packed contest.

                The Cougars, who led by as much as 20 points in the contest, controlled the first half. The second half was a back and forth affair as NJC battled back to take a 72-71 lead with about nine minutes to play.

                WNCC kept battling, pushing the lead to 87-79 on back-to-back old-fashioned 3-point plays by Daylon Harris and Mason Smith with two minutes to play.

                NJC battled back with two free throws and a 3-pointer to cut the lead to 87-84 with 27 seconds to play. WNCC came back down the court as Smith slammed home the ball for an 89-84 lead. WNCC then turned the ball over and the Plainsmen connected on two 3-pointers, the final one with five seconds to play, to get the come-from-behind win.

                WNCC had four players in double figures. Michael Sparks led the way with 26 points, including six 3-pointers. Also hitting the double-digit column with 12 points each were Smith and Phil Fayne. Tyrell Williams chipped in 10 points.

                The difference in the game was free throw shooting where WNCC was 8 of 21 while NJC was 32 of 42.

                WNCC moves to 10-6 on the season and 2-4 in Region IX South Play.