Plainsmen Dominate for First Win, 70-35

Andy Pearson scored 14 points and Tye Brown added 12, as the Laramie Plainsmen picked up their first win of the season Thursday with a blow-out 70-35 victory over Hershey, Nebraska in their first game at the Cabela's Holiday Shootout in Sidney, NE. LHS utilized a 22-0 run in the first and second quarters to take control of the game.

Laramie (1-5) trailed 6-2 in the first quarter before they roared past the Panthers. They turned the four-point deficit into a 24-6 lead early in the second quarter. Pearson hit three 3-pointers in the run, while Brown contributed 8 points. They led 34-15 at halftime and despite some hiccups here and there, the Plainsmen continued to pour it on with reserves in the game. Their biggest lead was 39 points, at 70-31, before they ended by doubling up Hershey.

Tommy Nachtigal and Kollin West added 9 points apiece. Laramie shot 43 percent (25-58) for the game, which included 50 percent (15-30) in the second half. They were 8-25 (32%) from 3-point range and 12-21 (57%) at the line. They won the battle on the boards 41-29 and also forced 24 Panther turnovers.

Hershey (1-7) was led by Josh Margritz and Kalon Czarnick with 8 points each. They shot 29 percent (10-34) from the floor, 2-6 (33%) from deep and 13-18 (72%) at the stripe.

Laramie moves onto the semifinals on Friday night, where they will face the host Sidney (NE) Red Raiders. Game time is set for 7:15 p.m. Sidney won their opening game of the tournament 68-53 over Central City, NE.

David Settle and VerDon Hoopes will call the game with the broadcast starting at 6:30 p.m. on KOWB (AM 1290).