By Marissa VanWingen, The Times Citizen

The Ellsworth Community College bench was even smaller than normal, but it didn't matter.

The Panthers defeated St. Cloud Technical and Community College 79-58.

ECC (6-1) built a nine-point lead after the first 10 minutes. The Cyclones (1-5) were within 43-32 at the break. The visitors really pulled away in the second half, outscoring the hosts by 10 in the third stanza.

The Panthers hit 30 field goals and shot 44.8 percent from the floor. The defense forced 17 turnovers and nabbed 11 steals – four by Laia Santanach.

Just seven ECC were available to play, but all of them contributed. Four different players were in double figures and all seven scored. They were led by sophomore Marin Agustsdottir who was nine of 22 with two triples and 24 points. Favour Anyaele is averaging a double-double this season and turned in 14 points and 10 rebounds. Taylor Ross (11) and Santanach (10) were also in double figures.

The Panthers won the rebounding battle as well, with 44 to SCTCC's 36. They allowed just six offensive rebounds. Ella Sharar led with 18 boards and Anyaele was also in double-digits rebounding.

For more on ECC Athletics, visit https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.timescitizen.com%2fsports%2fecc%2f&c=E,1,i1aRc0QUhGyN7sjpMOyYEi_3EcmdI4BweWHii7O1Z6nmbP4kQADQlB1jRYRLtusDhI15KHc6gjhYY4e8TgM2jk6BlyxPOlOfVIfCaiAIsU3T&typo=1

NJCAA Basketball
Saturday at St. Cloud, Minn.

ECC: 22| 21| 25| 11 – 79
SCTCC: 13| 19| 15| 11 – 58

ECC Scoring: Marin Agustsdottir 9 4-4 24; Favour Anyaele 5 4-9 14; Taylor Ross 5 1-1 11; Laia Santanach 4 0-0 10; Ella Sharar 2 5-6 9; Claudia Sanz 3 1-2 7; Nile Celaya 2 0-0 4.