North Platte women win fifth straight; downs MCC 57-33

NORTH PLATTE – The North Platte Community College women picked up their fifth straight win Tuesday with a 57-33 win over McCook Community College.

The Knights broke open a 20-17 game at the half with 22-9 advantage in the third quarter. The Lady Indians were unable to get the offense on track in the second half, shooting just 18.3 percent from the field over the final 20 minutes.

“North Platte played really well and was aggressive all night,” said MCC Coach Brandon Pritchett. “We just didn't respond well to their physicality.”

MCC made just five of 27 second-half shots and finished the game shooting 23.5 percent, including an 0-for-15 from the 3-point line. North Platte picked up 19 offensive rebounds and forced 28 MCC turnovers leading to 21 points.

“You don't win any games shooting the way we did, giving up 19 offensive rebounds and turning the ball over 28 times,” said Pritchett. “We settled for too many outside shots.”

North Platte shot 40 percent from the field in the second half and 29.7 for the game. The Knights went four-for-18 from the 3-point line (22.2 percent) and turned the ball over eight times.

Freshman Johanna Gerlach (Hachborn, Germany) led MCC with nine points. Sophomore Madara Liepniece (Riga, Latvia)

scored seven points.

MCC outrebounded NPCC 52-46. Freshman Peyton Cox (Wauneta) collected 10 and freshman Laia Izquierdo Altimira (Barcelona, Spain) had eight with Liepniece credited with seven.

“Laia and Peyton I thought rebound well for us, but it has to be a team effort for 40 minutes,” said Pritchett.

North Platte improves to 15-10 overall and 3-1 in the NCCAC.

MCC falls to 14-10 and 4-1 in the NCCAC with one conference game remaining and that will be Sunday in Lincoln against Southeast Community College.

“This is a game we have to get over quickly and move on,” said Pritchett. “We have some days to get some rest, heal up, and hopefully get over some of the sickness going around.”

Up-to-date information about MCC basketball including livestream links, schedule, statistics, rosters, photos and more can be found on the MCC Athletics website, www.mccindians.com