IOWA FALLS – After leading for much of the first quarter, Ellsworth Community College struggled from the free throw line in a 76-59 loss to North Platte Community College Friday night.

The Panthers led by as many as five in the opening stanza before the Knights tied the game for the first time, 10-10. The final ECC lead was 15-14 before a triple by NPCC at the end of the quarter made it 17-15, Knights lead.

NPCC started the second on an 8-2 run and the Panthers had just three field goals as the difference swelled to nine. ECC was just six of 17 from the charity stripe in the half.

The closest the hosts would come again was five (45-40). The Knights then went on another run to go up by 14. The spread grew to 18 midway through the fourth and the Panthers just could not get back down to single digits.

ECC was led by Ellie Barrows, who tallied 23 points. Keara Williams added 17 and Abby Arrowood nine.

The next game for the Panthers will be Monday, Jan. 6 at home against Highland Community College.

For more on the game, and more photos, go to timescitizen.com http://www.timescitizen.com/sports/panthers-fall-in-final-game-of/article_2cff0214-201b-11ea-88f5-7f210ddf8d7e.html