Men’s Basketball Advances to Region IX Tournament

Mar. 3, 2019, Sterling, Colo. — The Plainsmen men's basketball team advances to Sheridan, Wyo. for the Region IX tournament after defeating the Otero Rattlers 92-78. Northeastern had yet to beat the Rattlers this year, so the odds were stacked against them. What they did know however, was that it is difficult for a team to defeat someone three times. This third time was the charm for the Plainsmen as they went to work early and defeated the Rattlers on the road. 

In the first half, Northeastern scored consistently from the field by going 20/35 for 57%. Their scoring and ability to force Otero into contested shots allowed them to go up 51-37 at halftime. The second half was a balanced match-up between the teams as they both scored 41 points. Despite the Rattlers hanging with the Plainsmen in the second half in points, Northeastern did their job in the first and gave them the 92-78 victory. 

Mohamed Diallo led the Plainsmen in the stat sheet with 30 points and eight rebounds. Nykolas Lange and Ryan Bagley also had a good game as they each finished with 13 points. 

That win allows the Plainsmen to advance to the Region IX tournament in Sheridan, Wyo. The men will face the Sheridan College Generals on Thurs., Mar. 7 with tipoff at 7 p.m.