Story by NPCC Athletic Communications
Scottsbluff, Neb. - Brady Kennison poured in a game-high 27 points to lead North Platte to an 83-79 road victory over Western Nebraska on Sunday afternoon.
Kennison was lights-out in the game shooting 7-of-14 from the field, including 7-of-10 from long range. Winston Allen added 17 points while pulling down seven rebounds in the win.
“It was another gritty win,” said head coach Jacob Brandl. “Western shoots a ton of threes, and because of that they’re always in the game, no lead is ever safe.”
North Platte came out firing, jumping out to a 14-3 lead after a dunk from Allen. Western Nebraska answered with a strong response, eventually taking its first lead with 4:34 remaining in the first half. Teams traded momentum the rest of the period before a late run lifted the Knights to a 38-36 advantage at the break.
The Cougars opened the second half by scoring first to even the game at 38-38, but North Platte quickly regained control and refused to relinquish the lead. A 6-0 run midway through the half pushed the Knights advantage into double-digits. Western Nebraska made one final push, trimming the deficit to just two points with 2:23 remaining, but North Platte stayed composed down the stretch to earn the victory.
“I thought we did a much better job handling their press in the second half and getting into our offense,” Brandl said. “It’s always hard to win on the road, so I’m really happy with how our guys responded to their runs throughout the game.”
North Platte (14-8, 6-1 Region 9 South) continues Region 9 South play on Wednesday against Southeast Community College. Tipoff set for 7 p.m. in Lincoln.