Despite a gritty performance and a game-high 25 points from sophomore guard TJ Coulter, Laramie County Community College came up short against a sharp-shooting North Platte Community College squad, falling 94–77 on the road Saturday night.
Coulter was relentless on offense, attacking the rim and converting all 8 of his free throws, while also knocking down three shots from beyond the arc. His scoring kept the Golden Eagles within striking distance throughout the contest.
Brevin Phillips added a strong two-way performance with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Karim Elgizawy contributed 12 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals, showing poise and efficiency in the backcourt.
Laramie County battled hard on the boards, pulling down 33 rebounds, including 14 offensive, with Isaac Fiagbe and Jephte Tambala combining for 9 rebounds and 15 points in the paint. The team also showed resilience at the free-throw line, converting 76.9% of their attempts.
However, the Golden Eagles struggled to find consistency from deep, shooting just 20% from three-point range, and were unable to match North Platte's offensive rhythm. The Knights shot a blistering 55.4% from the field and 46.4% from three, led by Justus Michael's 21 points and a balanced attack that saw five players score in double figures.
Despite the loss, Laramie County showed flashes of promise and toughness, with contributions from the bench and moments of defensive intensity. Head Coach and staff will look to build on the positives as the team prepares for its next matchup.