IOWA FALLS, IOWA -- In a battle of 2 rated teams in the latest NJCAA DII poll, the No. 17 Ellsworth Panthers erased a halftime deficit and outlasted 6th-ranked Macomb (Mich.) CC, 83-79, in ECC's first of 2 games in the Dale Howard Classic.  After dispatching Macomb on Friday, the Panthers had a much easier time Saturday when they wiped out Central Lakes (Minn.) College, 77-49.  The victories stretched Ellsworth's season-opening win streak to 5.

ECC outscored Macomb 46-40 over the final 20 minutes after trailing by 2 points at intermission.  They won despite shooting only 30.4 percent from the field, helping themselves by knocking down 32-of-42 free throw tries.  And the Panthers picked off 56 rebounds, including 17 on the offensive glass.

One of 3 Ellsworth players in double figures, Jaron Crews topped them with his 23 points.  He nailed 3 3s and handed out 7 assists.  Jordan Glenn-Hawkins added 20 points, 3 3-pointers and 11-of-11 free throw shooting while grabbing 8 rebounds.  Arlandus Keyes scored 13 points, made a couple of 3s and hauled in 9 boards.  The 2 ECC starters who didn't score in double figures assisted in the rebound battle, Bessanty Saragba getting 10 and Clinton Efinda 8.  The leading rebounder for the Panthers was Zeke Thompkins with 11, 5 on the offensive side.

A halftime advantage of 42-21 led to the Saturday win.  Glenn-Hawkins and Lamarana Diallo were the only 2 players in double figures.  Glenn-Hawkins pulled down 9 rebounds to go along with his 22 points.  Diallo came off the bench to contribute 11 points.  Saragba snared 8 rebounds and Keyes dished out 5 assists.  The Panthers had season-highs in rebounds with 61 and steals with 10.

Ellsworth takes its unbeaten record to Missouri Tuesday to face off against North Central Missouri College.