MCC teams swept by North Platte

NORTH PLATTE -- The McCook Community College men's and women's basketball teams dropped close contests to their rival from North Platte Community College Wednesday at the NPCC gym.

The MCC men lost 76-70 in overtime and the women fell 61-57.

In the men's game, NPCC hit three free throws in the final minute of overtime to clinch the victory.

The Knights, who are 8-0 at home this season, jumped out to leads of 6-0 and 13-4, but McCook rallied to take a 28-27 lead. Neither team led by more than 5 points in the second half until NPCC went up by 6 at the end of the game.

MCC, 8-12 overall, was paced by 6-foot-6 freshman Mark Versen with 19 points, including five 3-pointers, and 11 rebounds.

Adam Vaden had 13 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Marcus Vontz had 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 steals. Chris Barrow had 12 points and 2 rebounds.

Danny Tucker led NPCC, 12-4 overall, with 19 points. Philippe Jourdain had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Shane Sweeney also scored 14 points.

"MCC played very well throughout the entire game," said MCC men's coach Ty Orton. "Fighting through numerous scoring bursts from NPCC, we never let up, even when we were down by 13 in the first half.

"Our players are champions and they have proven that they can play with any team out there. All we need to do is finish the game. Free throws are big and the players care so much they put too much pressure on themselves so they do not let down the team.

"The players will fight through this and continue to improve. NPCC is a great team and has a great coach. And we were very close to beating them. We must build on that and look ahead, not behind.

"Adam Vaden played very well penetrating and looking to dish the ball. He is a great player and he continues to improve every game. Marcus Vontz is also a great all around player who rebounds well and is a tremendous shooter, he stepped up with 4 seconds left in regulation to tie the game.

"Mark Versen did a tremendous job on both ends shooting 5-of-8 from the 3-point line. The kids are coming on and despite our record this could be the best team that I have coached. They always are ready to play and never quit, they are very enjoyable to coach on and off of the floor."

The MCC men's team plays Southeast CC at 4 p.m. Saturday at Beatrice.

NPCC women 61,

McCook CC 57

The McCook CC women (5-12) led for most of the first half and led at intermission 34-31 Wednesday night. The Indians hit five 3-pointers in the first 20 minutes.

But the Knights scored the first 6 points of the second half and McCook had to play catch-up.

The Indians finally caught the Knights at 56-56 with 43 seconds left in the game.

NPCC's Jamie Gonzalez banked in a 3-pointer and Kiley Peterson hit a pair of free throws with 3.9 seconds left to sink MCC.

McCook's leading scorer Kamillia Brown was limited to 13 points, but dished off 5 assists.

Cambridge freshman Staci Moore led the Indians with 19 points and dished off 4 assists. Trici Perryman had 9 points, 13 rebounds and 6 steals. Sam Stuart had 12 points and 8 rebounds.

Peterson led NPCC and all scorers with 28 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.

"The women are playing extremely well, and pushing themselves on every possession," said MCC women's coach Michelle Orton. "We outplayed them almost in every category except one -- free throws.

"We knew it was going to be a battle and it was going to be a close game. The girls stepped up and fought through adversity. Trici Perryman is a tremendous competitor who really carried us through those times.

"She also rose to the occasion and hit one free throw to tie the game. Sam Stuart played very well and hit a great free throw jumper under a minute to also tie the game.

"The girls are a very strong team who work great on and off of the floor. They have a lot of heart and will not give up. They will surprise people near the end. They are very fun to coach and watch mature over the year."

The MCC women's team plays Southeast CC at 2 p.m. Saturday at Beatrice.