WNCC men split sub-region contests over the weekend

The Western Nebraska Community College split a pair of East Sub-region games over the weekend, dropping an 87-72 game to North Platte Community College and before bettering McCook Community College 90-83.

The win against McCook snapped a four-losing skid for the Cougars, pushing their record to 13-11 on the season and 2-2 in sub-regional play.

WNCC held a 47-44 lead at halftime against McCook and pulled away in the second half. Three Cougars finished with 20 or more points in the win. Kelvin Franklin led the way with 25 points, including two 3-pointers. Franklin was also 11-of-16 from the free throw line and five assists. Daniel Smith also finished with 22 points, including a perfect 6-of-6 from the charity stripe, while Deividas Busma had 20 points on 10-of-11 shooting from the field.

Drew Eisinger also picked up double-digit scoring, collecting 12 points including two 3-pointers.

The win Saturday was much needed after the Cougar’s came on Friday, where they fell 87-72 to the Knights of North Platte. The Knights led 44-36 at halftime and out-rebounded the Cougars 31-21. Both teams did shot the ball well, with North Platte hitting on 57 percent of their shots, including seven 3-pointers, while the Cougars shot 56 percent.

WNCC had six players hit double figures. Smith led the way with 17 points including a perfect 5-of-5 from the free throw line. Also netting double figures were Lloyd Hickinson with 12 points, Franklin, Eisinger and Oscar Cartwright with 11 points each, and Busma with 10 points.

WNCC will be off until Feb. 16 when they host Northeast Community College in an afternoon contest.

Friday’s Game
WNCC 36 36 – 72
North Platte 44 43 – 87
NORTH PLATTE
Eugene Parker 9, Andrew Hanson 13, Quinton Spivey 2, Joseph Odugbela 27, Jacob Brandl 9, Eurick Newbill 3, Eugene Bain 18, Jerry Vaughn-Taylor 6.
WESTERN NEBRASKA
Daniel Smith 17, Oscar Cartwright 11, Kelvin Franklin 11, Lloyd Hickinson 12, Drew Eisinger 11, Devidas Busma 10.

Saturday’s Game
WNCC 47 43 – 90
McCook 44 39 – 83
McCOOK COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Luvonte Rhines 26, Trey Mosby 19, Jared Deal 8, Lionell Robinson 6, Manuel Cook 6, Javoiun Martin 5, Ronnell Grant 4, Leon Kirkland 4, Russell Ridlen 3, Josh Fanslow 2.
WESTERN NEBRASKA
Kelvin Franklin 25, Daniel Smith 22, Devidas Busma 20, Drew Eisinger 12, Lloyd Hickinson 4, Oscar Cartwright 3, Chris Hamblin 2, Jamie Eisinger 2.