IOWA FALLS, IOWA -- Often a team's first game back after a lengthy break results in some sloppy play and a struggle to regain their earlier success. That definitely wasn't the case, though, for the ECC men's basketball team on Wednesday night. The Panthers, in their return following a 20-day layoff, scored the game's first 17 points and went on to defeat defending national champion DMACC, 71-61, at Dittmer Gym.
Ellsworth's opening 17-0 salvo paved the way for the 12th win of the year and a 3-2 mark in conference play. And it came against a DMACC program that claimed the NJCAA DII national title last spring and was rated 17th in this week's national rankings.
The dominating beginning to the contest included eight of the 17 points from Tom Stanley. He was one of five Panthers to reach double figures. Richie Warren led the charge with 18 points and a team-best 8 rebounds, all on the defensive glass. Warren also topped ECC with his 4 assists. Rich Ashu and Melvin Medina-Ortiz joined Stanley with 13 points. Junior Bodden chipped in 10 points and 7 rebounds.
ECC was on top 38-27 at halftime and didn't allow the Bears to get closer than 7 points in the final half. The Panthers won despite not having a particularly good shooting night -- they made 41.9 percent of their shots, 7-of-22 3-point tries and just 52.2 percent from the foul line. The Ellsworth defense was superb in holding DMACC to 35.4 percent field goal shooting and forcing 17 turnovers. They also won the rebound battle, 36-32. The Panthers committed only 11 turnovers and had 9 steals.
Ellsworth (12-5, 3-2) will host Iowa Lakes on Saturday and then travel to Dakota County Tech on Jan. 12. They defeated DCTC 68-64 back in November in Iowa Falls.
