IOWA FALLS, IOWA -- Ellsworth took a 3-point halftime lead in Monday night's ICCAC matchup with Iowa Central and then exploded for 54 second-half points to cement the regular-season sweep of the Tritons with a 97-84 decision at Dittmer Gym Monday night.

Although they were on top 43-40 at intermission, the Panthers found themselves trailing by 11, 66-55, with 11 1/2 minutes to play.  But two big runs the rest of the way, including a 10-0 burst once they regained the lead allowed the Panthers to post their 16th win of the season, one more victory than last year's ECC team with 8 regular-season contests still remaining.  The 97 points scored by the Panthers were the most they've put up in the past 9 games.

Ellsworth, in pulling back to the .500 mark in league play at 6-6 and 16-6 overall, hit 10 3-pointers -- by 7 different players -- and forced Iowa Central into 18 turnovers.  The winners connected on 8-of-9 free throws in the final minutes.

Dior Davis topped the ECC scoring with 21 points and he also recorded 4 steals.  Arlandus Keyes joined Davis in double figures with 18 points.  Jordan Glenn-Hawkins scored 11 and Issakha Niang 10.  Rich Ashu grabbed 11 rebounds and Shawn Fulcher scored 9 points to go with his 5 assists.

Ellsworth will look to avenge an earlier loss to Iowa Western when they host the Reivers on Wednesday night.