Story by NPCC Athletic Communications
Sterling, Colo. – The North Platte men’s basketball team nearly erased a double-digit deficit in the closing minutes but fell 76-74 to Northwest College on Thursday in the Region IX Tournament quarterfinals.
Justus Michael led the Knights with 28 points, shooting 4-for-7 from three-point range and 11-for-21 from the field. Josh Osayanrhion pulled down 11 rebounds, while Brady Kennison dished out eight assists.
“They made every key play when it mattered most,” said head coach Jacob Brandl. “I’m proud of our guys for fighting and battling the way we did.”
North Platte opened the game with the first five points, highlighted by a long-range shot from Dennis Rocha. The remainder of the half featured four ties and three lead changes, with neither team leading by more than five points. The Trappers put together a short rally late in the half to take a 36-32 lead into halftime.
Northwest opened the second half with five straight points and eventually stretched its lead to double digits. North Platte responded with an 8-0 run, cutting the deficit to five with three minutes remaining.
With 5.5 seconds left, Osayanrhion knocked down two free throws to make it a two point game. On the inbound pass, Michael tipped the ball to Rocha, who quickly found Brandon Domsch for a chance to tie, but the shot fell short as time expired.
"Wish we could have been awarded the timeout at the end to give ourselves a chance but that’s basketball," Brandl said. "I just want to thank the sophomores for giving me everything they had day in and day out."
North Platte finishes the 2025-26 season with an 18-13 overall record.