DIXON, ILLINOIS -- Sauk Valley CC outscored Ellsworth CC 48-33 over the final 20 minutes of Tuesday night's contest to come from behind and knock off the Panthers, 78-66.  ECC took a 33-30 advantage into the halftime break but couldn't overcome a cold shooting night to grab a road win.  The Panthers made only 34 percent of their field goal attempts and 58 percent of their free throws and connected on just 7-of-32 3-pointers in suffering their 2nd loss in 9 games.

The 12-point final margin was the difference in made free throws -- Sauk Valley was 23-for-28 and the Panthers were 11-for-19.  The ECC defense was effective, limiting the hosts to 40 percent shooting from the floor and 32 percent from three.

Jaron Crews pumped in 20 points to pace the Panthers and the sophomore guard drilled 4 3s and handed out 6 assists.  Arlandus Keyes and Zeke Thompkins both scored 12 points.  Keyes added 10 rebounds and 4 steals and Thompkins blocked 3 shots.  Also with 3 blocks was Bessanty Saragba to go along with his 8 points and 8 rebounds.  The Panthers won the rebound battle, 44-35.

Ellsworth begins conference play this Saturday when they take on Iowa Central CC at Dittmer Gym.