By Marissa VanWingen, The Times Citizen

Prior to the start of the season, Ellsworth Community College head coach Justin Rees knew there could be some games on the schedule his team struggled to score.

The Panthers played Division I Southwestern Illinois College in Freeport, Ill. and suffered their first loss of the season, 82-51.

ECC (4-1) shot just 33 percent from the floor and made just three of 23 from downtown. The biggest struggle was turnovers. The Panthers committed 30 in the loss, compared to the Blue Storm's 17.

SWIC (4-1) also had a much better shooting night. They drained seven triples, were 47 percent from the floor and they had three players in double digits. Of the 30 ECC turnovers, 20 were steals by the Blue Storm.

After the opening 10 minutes of the game it was still a close contest with SWIC leading 21-18. The difference was six (35-29) at the break, but it was still manageable. By the second half. The Blue Storm started to pull away and outscored the Panthers 37 to 22 in the final 20 minutes to pull away.

ECC had just one player in double figures scoring. Post Favour Anyaele had a double-double with 19 points and 19 boards, leading the squad in both categories. Claudia Sanz tallied eight points and Ella Sharar had six points, six rebounds and four steals.

For more on Panther Athletics, visit: https://linkprotect.cudasvc.com/url?a=https%3a%2f%2fwww.timescitizen.com%2fsports%2fecc%2f&c=E,1,8Ou9fWSxqXmaKJxzAvuqGjuOk4x-4xUMCGBJ1mhFA5xkfirD7c5aNGUEZt1fwT4JRtAW4JORwS-je3zNGp6-BkFDiZOruShcjsglscW3frq5mIw56Adm&typo=1

NJCAA Basketball
Friday at Freeport, Ill.

SWIC: 21| 14| 19| 18 – 82
ECC: 18| 11| 14| 8 – 51

ECC Scoring: Favour Anyaele 7 5-10 19; Claudia Sanz 4 0-1 8; Ella Sharar 2 1-2 6; Marin Agustsdottir 2 0-0 4; Taylor Ross 2 0-0 4; Bwanne Ciimban 2 0-0 4; Laia Santanach 1 0-0 3; Nile Celaya 1 0-0 3.