IOWA FALLS, IOWA -- A day after they earned a top-ten national ranking, the Ellsworth Panthers validated that early-season rating with a solid 96-81 victory over North Central Missouri College on Tuesday night at Dittmer Gym.

The Panthers, number-seven in the latest NJCAA DII poll, moved to 7-0 with the win.  "I was proud of our guys for continuing to fight all night from start to finish against a scrappy and well-coached team," said ECC head coach Bryan Bender.  "They shoot the ball really well off catch-and-shoots and rebound better than any team we have played so far this season.  We were able to win the rebounding margin, 50-42, and got 20 offensive rebounds.  We lead the nation in blocked shots per game and were able to block another 12 (Tuesday)."

The duo of Diondre Taylor and Dior Davis each scored 21 points to pace Ellsworth.  Bender praised Davis's performance.  "I can't say enough about Dior.  He almost had a triple-double and is on his way to having an All-American season."  In addition to his 21 points, Davis had 11 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 blocks and 3 steals.

Taylor played with "swagger" according to his coach.  "We had one of our best shooting performances of the season with Dre leading the way," Bender said.  "I sent Dre a video about self-doubt, and told him if you look at where you were and where you are now you need to be proud of yourself."

ECC also got 15 points from Shawn Fulcher, 13 from Bruce Kanno, and 11 points and 13 rebounds, 5 on the offensive glass, from Saliou Seye, whose double-double was also recognized by his coach.

"Overall, I was pleased with our efforts," Bender explained.  "We still need to learn to finish close games with maturity and finish possessions defensively.  We have 2 tough neutral court games against NJCAA DI opponents this weekend as we close our 9 games in 19 days stretch."

The Panthers go to the Indian Hills Classic this Friday and Saturday where they will battle Missouri State-West Plains and McCook (Neb.).