IOWA FALLS, IOWA -- The Ellsworth women let a 4th-quarter lead slip away and NIACC used a late 3-pointer to break a tie and the Trojans went on to defeat the Panthers, 78-76, Wednesday night at Dittmer Gym.

ECC took a 62-49 advantage into the final period after outscoring the visitors, 21-12, in the third quarter.  But NIACC rallied and forged a 75-75 tie with under a minute to play.  The Trojans hit a three with 43 seconds remaining to go ahead, 78-75, and Ellsworth could manage only a single free throw in the closing seconds and saw its shot at a victory come up just short.

It was a game of outstanding individual efforts for the Panthers with six players scoring nine or more points.  Leading the way was Ellie Barrows, who pumped in a season-high 22 points, made four 3s and dished out four assists.  Autumn Shull came within one blocked shot of a triple-double.  Shull scored 12 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked nine shots.  Keara Williams provided a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists.  Halle Miller also scored 10 and picked off eight boards.  Off the bench, Jada Mullinex and Kevonda Primes each scored nine points.  Starter Victaeja Leavy had six assists.

The Panthers have one more shot at a regular-season win when they travel to play Iowa Lakes CC on Saturday afternoon.