WORTHINGTON, MINNESOTA -- The 4th-ranked Ellsworth Panthers raced away to a 66-21 halftime lead and went on to maul Minnesota West, 111-48, Saturday night for the Panthers' 10th consecutive win to begin the season.
ECC had been idle for a week around the Thanksgiving holiday, but it was not evident, according to head coach Bryan Bender, as they resumed their early-season success. "Every game after a long break takes some time to get the rust off," Bender said, "but we picked up right where we left off. We had a really focused practice on Friday, drove our three hours, had a couple of nice meals, and drove home."
The Panthers enjoyed a huge advantage on the glass, outrebounding Minnesota West, 78-33, and the nation's leading shot-blocking team had another 14 blocks. ECC also had assists on 26-of-36 field goals and collected 14 steals.
Four players tallied double-figures in scoring, led by Dior Davis and Shawn Fulcher with 16 each. Arlandus Keyes chipped in 15 and Jordan Glenn-Hawkins 13. Bender also praised the effort of Clavance Alvares, who came off the bench for 9 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists in a season-high 18 minutes of action.
"The game was a signature one by our program and mirrored our identity," Bender said. "We got out in transition and our whole team was very efficient. Davis, Fulcher and Keyes filled the stat sheet and our bigs owned the paint." Saliou Seye had 9 rebounds and Issakha Niang led ECC on the boards with 10 and blocked 6 shots. Ezekiel Thompkins, Rich Ashu and Guido Klompenmaker each had 5 or more rebounds.
"It was great to play a true road game as we gear up for the second 3rd of our season and I'm proud of our guys' efforts, focus and attitudes," the ECC coach said. "Our culture is very strong."
The Panthers face two difficult road tests this week. They will challenge Kansas City Kansas CC on Tuesday and Iowa Western CC on Saturday. "We're excited to get back to work this week," Bender stated. The Iowa Western contest next weekend will kick off the ICCAC slate for ECC.