By Marissa VanWingen

Ellsworth Community College shot at a better clip than visiting NIACC, but struggled getting shot attempts off. The 13th-ranked Trojans stole the ball 15 times as the Panthers were tagged for 30 turnovers in a 71-57 final.

The only ECC lead of the game was on a made three-pointer by Addy Dennis (3-0). NIACC responded and went on a 10-1 run before the hosts ended their scoring drought with a pair of free throws. The Trojans then scored the final four points of the quarter to lead by eight (14-6).

A long ball by Sofia Berraquero Beltran started the second stanza before NIACC (17-2, 11-2) pulled away. The spread reached 10 points (30-20) and was 15 at the break. The Trojans extended the lead to 25 heading into the final period.

While NIACC brought a full roster with 12 reserves, the Panthers (8-10, 4-8) have been playing with just two that come off the bench. Yaiza Sorriano Balaguer led all scoring with 22 points and Berraquero Beltran came off the bench to score 11. Dennis led the squad with 11 rebounds.

The two were close in most areas, but ECC made just 17 field goals to the visitors 26 and had 30 turnovers. The Trojans also drained nine three-pointers in the win. The Panthers did get to the line more often and were 17 of 26 from the charity stripe.

NIACC is on pace with Kirkwood Community College and are currently second in the ICCAC with Iowa Lakes a half game behind. ECC is still holding on to the eighth and final spot in the Region XI Tournament with just over a month left to play.

For more on ECC Athletics, visit https://www.timescitizen.com/sports/ecc/

ICCAC Basketball
Thursday at Iowa Falls

NIACC: 14| 26| 27| 4 – 71
ECC: 6| 19| 17| 15 – 57

ECC Scoring: Yaiza Sorriano Balaguer 6 9-11 22; Sofia Berraquero Beltran 4 1-2 11; Sare Celaya Urrutia 2 2-4 8; Claudia Sanz Dorange 2 3-4 7; Addy Dennis 2 0-3 5; Inma Martinez 1 2-2 4.