IOWA FALLS, IOWA -- What a week for ECC redshirt freshman Cameron Liggins!  After scoring a career-high 31 points in a road win at Northeast (Neb.) earlier in the week, Liggins played a key role as the 9th-ranked Panthers took down No. 7 Kirkwood, 98-84, in a battle for first-place in the league standings on Saturday afternoon.  Liggins led 5 ECC players in double-figures with 29 points.  He made all 6 of his 3-point tries and 9-of-16 field goal attempts as the Panthers remained ahead of DMACC and Kirkwood in the ICCAC, owning victories against both of their closest pursuers in January contests at Dittmer Gym.

Ellsworth had its best overall shooting performance of the season in gaining its 2nd straight win against KCC, after losing 9 in a row in the series.  ECC shot 50 percent from the field (32-64), knocked down 13-23 3s and connected on 21-26 free throws (80 percent) and led from start to finish in the ranked battle.  The 13 3s tied for the most in a game this year for the Panthers and it was the 6th time in the last 7 games they have shot 50 percent or better from the floor.  ECC was on top 50-41 at intermission, and didn't allow the Eagles to get closer than 6 points in the final half. 

Arlandus Keyes had a tremendous floor game for Ellsworth, dishing out 13 assists, draining 4 3s and scoring 22 points.  Chimobi Ikegwuruka complemented Liggins and Keyes with 15 points, Jordan Glenn-Hawkins scored 13 and Clinton Efinda 11.  Ikegwuruka grabbed 8 rebounds and blocked 4 shots.

ECC (16-3, 8-1) hosts NIACC on Wednesday night before traveling to take on DMACC on Saturday afternoon.