MASON CITY, IOWA -- NIACC rolled to a 50-15 halftime lead over visiting Ellsworth CC and cruised to an 83-53 win in the regular-season finale for both teams Wednesday.

The Panthers actually outscored the hosts, 28-23, over the last 2 quarters but couldn't cut into the big deficit.  

Shamika Maria, named the DII Player of the Week earlier in the week, was one of 2 Panthers in double figures with 20 points.  Ingrid Martinez Guillen scored 13.  Maria made 5-of-9 3s and had 3 assists.  Key'Lajaha Jefferson Putman scored 9 points and had a team-high 7 rebounds.  Andrea Aragon Garcia tallied 8 points.

ECC hit 10-of-21 3-point tries, their 2nd straight game with at least 10 made threes.

Region XI postseason play starts for Ellsworth on Sunday when they host Marshalltown CC at Dittmer Gym.  The winner goes to Cedar Rapids to take on Kirkwood CC next Wednesday.  ECC ended the regular season with a 5-21 overall record and was 2-14 in the conference.