MASON CITY, IOWA -- In a span of less than 24 hours, the Ellsworth CC men's basketball team got its 2023-24 season off to a successful start with a pair of victories in a tournament hosted by North Iowa Area CC.  The Panthers took care of Black Hawk (Ill.) on Friday night, 88-71, then came back the next afternoon to outlast Bryant & Stratton (Wis.), 69-59 in overtime.

ECC, rated 17th in the NJCAA DII preseason poll, put 4 of 5 starters in double figures in the opening decision over Black Hawk, led by Jordan Glenn-Hawkins's 20 points.  Jaron Crews and Bessanty Saragba added 14 apiece and Arlandus Keyes, along with Glenn-Hawkins a returner from last year's ECC squad, had 12.  Brennan Geoghegan led the bench players with 8 points.  

Ellsworth coach Bryan Bender, beginning his 2nd season at the helm, called it a gritty win in which the Panthers were able to overcome a poor shooting performance from behind the arc, where they made only 6 of 23 attempts.  "We did a great job guarding from start to finish," said Bender, "and we showed maturity in the 2nd half to get the win.  Our sophomore trio of guards -- Jaron, Landus, and Jordan -- carried us and filled up the stat sheet.  Bessanty gave us a very productive game inside."  The ECC coach said it was great to give all active 13 players minutes and opportunities.

Glenn-Hawkins led ECC on the glass with 10 boards and Saragba added 8.  Keyes handed out 6 assists.

The Panthers overcame a slow start to defeat Bryant & Stratton after trailing 24-16 at halftime.  They came back to tie the score at 52-all at the end of regulartion, then outscored their opponent, 17-7, in the OT period.

Crews topped Ellsworth with his 22 points and Glenn-Hawkins tallied 17 to go with 8 rebounds.  Cameron Liggins threw in 13 points.  The Panthers won despite shooting only 35 percent from the field.  They forced 27 turnovers and permitted Bryant & Stratton to shoot just 39 percent.  Along with Glenn-Hawkins, Liggins and Saragba also had 8 rebounds and Keyes had 7.  Glenn-Hawkins was credited with 3 steals and Saragba with 4 blocks.

The Panthers have a busy week at home, taking on Kansas City Kansas CC on Tuesday night before playing host to the Dale Howard Classic this weekend, where they will battle Macomb CC Friday and Central Lakes College from Brainerd, Minn., Saturday at Dittmer Gym.