NORFOLK, NEBRASKA -- The Ellsworth Panthers snapped a late tie, held off a final-minute rally by Northeast (Neb.) and got a big road win Saturday, defeating the Hawks, 72-71, at the Cox Activities Center.

Northeast cut into a second-half deficit and tied the score three times, the last at 66-all.  Ra'mir Scott's two foul shots in the final minute made it a two-possession game and allowed ECC enough cushion for the victory, which finishes a season sweep of NCC for the Panthers.

Eleven Ellsworth players saw action and all 11 scored.  They got big contributions off the bench from Chase Smith, who nailed 4-of-6 3s and tied Scott with a team-best 12 points, and Srdan Kopunovic, who scored 8 points and made all 4 of his free throws.  Richie Warren and Junior Bodden, two starters, each scored 9 points and Warren had 4 assists.

The Panthers upped their season record to 13-7 and they're 4-3 in the ICCAC.  They will host Kirkwood CC at Dittmer Gym on Tuesday night.