IOWA FALLS, IOWA -- Southwestern CC pulled away from a 54-all tie after 3 quarters and knocked off Ellsworth CC, 80-73, at Dittmer Gym on Saturday.  ECC held a slim 63-62 advantage in the final period before Southwestern went on a 9-0 run to take control.  The Spartans outscored Ellsworth, 26-19, over the last 10 minutes and benefited from a big edge in 3-point field goals, making 15 to only 2 for ECC.

The Panthers shot 53.8 percent for the game, tying their best shooting performance of the season, but 27 turnovers hurt ECC's chances of ending the first half of the schedule with a win.  Their records fall to 6-8 and 1-4 in the ICCAC.

Taylor Ross poured in a season-best 28 points to pace Ellsworth.  She was 10-13 from the floor and 8-11 at the foul line and also pulled down 9 rebounds.  Ingrid Martinez Guillen had 13 points and Favour Nmeche Anyaele registered a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.  Ellyse Ball scored 10.  ECC's leading scorer for the season, Marin Lind Agustsdottir battled foul trouble and was limited to 4 points.

The Panthers are idle until resuming their schedule at NIACC on Jan. 3.