IOWA FALLS, IOWA -- Ellsworth's attempt to gain a season sweep against Southwestern CC didn't happen on Wednesday night at Dittmer Gym as the visiting Spartans held ECC to just 15 first-half points and finished off a 60-46 victory.  The Panthers had defeated SWCC, 72-54, back in December in Creston when Chase Smith came off the bench to deliver a season-high 21 points on 7 threes for Ellsworth.  In the return match, Smith, in the starting lineup for the first time this season, led the ECC scoring with 11 points and made 3 of the Panthers' 5 3-pointers.

Southwestern used a 13-2 run in the opening period to lead 23-15 at intermission.  The Spartans quickly built the advantage to 17 points at the outset of the second half and were never in trouble the rest of the way.  They won despite shooting only 41 percent from the floor and being outrebounded by the hosts, 32-27.  ECC made just 16 field goals and shot 37 percent.

Andres Arellano scored 9 points and led the ECC rebound chart with 7.  Junior Bodden added 8 points.

The Panthers (13-12, 4-7) will go to NIACC on Saturday and then play at Kirkwood Feb. 10.