Central Community College defeated Southeast Community College in opening-round play of the Region IX tournament, 79-65. The win is the fourth straight for the Raiders and gives them an overall mark of 14-14.

The first half between CCC and SECC was very close and low-scoring as the Raiders took a 28-25 advantage into halftime. In the third period, CCC took command by outscoring Southeast, 20-10, and was able to hold on through the fourth.

"We won the game in the third quarter by playing good team basketball and keeping our heads," said CCC head coach Mike Kroupa. "I was very proud of our ladies."

Four CCC players scored in double figures with Payton Blanke leading the way with 20 points. Teisha Snyder scored 17 points, while Megan Fiala came off the bench to score 14 points. Maddy Wolfe rounded out the double-digit scoring with 10 points.

Up next, the Raiders will travel to North Platte Community College for the Region IX Division II championship game against the Knights. CCC and NPCC split the regular season meetings with each team winning by two points. The Knights won the first meeting on Jan. 27, in North Platte, 60-58. The Raiders returned the favor by winning 82-80 on Feb. 17, at Raider Fieldhouse. NPCC is 9-18 on the season.

"North Platte is a well-coached, defensive-minded team," said Kroupa. "They will get after us and we need to play strong and keep them off the boards."

Tip-off for Monday's game is at 7 p.m. at McDonald-Belton Gymnasium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN 1410 AM in North Platte.