IOWA FALLS, IOWA -- Visiting Kirkwood CC used a big disparity at the free throw line to its advantage and the Eagles rallied for a 72-65 victory against the Ellsworth Panthers Tuesday night at Dittmer Gym.

In the first matchup of the season between the two longtime rivals, ECC opened up a 36-32 lead at intermission.  But KCC outscored the Panthers, 40-29, over the final 20 minutes to get the win.

Ellsworth made 48 percent of its field goal attemts, but only 7 of its 15 foul shots.  Kirkwood went to the line 30 times and made 23 and the 16 points it outscored the hosts at the line was huge.

Ra'mir Scott topped the ECC scoring with 17 points and he added 7 assists.  Richie Warren was next with 15 points and his 7 rebounds paced the Panthers.  Mateo Martinez led the bench players with 8 points.

ECC (13-8, 4-4) goes to Boone to take on DMACC on Saturday.