West Burlington, IA -- #24 Iowa Western (24-5) secured a home semi-final seeding for next week's ICCAC Region XI tournament with a hard fought 88-83 road victory at Southeastern (21-7). With the win, the Reivers moved to 5-2 in the conference with one more conference game to play.
From the opening tip this game was fiercely contested. Iowa Western did reach a double digit lead midway through the first half for one possession, however following that point the hosting Blackhawks closed out the half with a scoring run that saw them lead by four at intermission, 38-34. That four point lead would mark Southeastern's largest margin however, as both teams went back and forth in the game's second frame. The game, between two teams that have both been in the NJCAA top 25 this season, would showcase 12 ties and 9 lead changes. The Reivers outrebounded Southeastern 40-28, shot 52% from the floor including 50% from the three point arch; while their counterparts from West Burlington shot 45% from the floor and 23% from three point range.
Iowa Western was led by Patrick Dembley's 26 point effort, which included a significant four point play with 4:20 to go giving the Reivers an eight point cushion with time becoming a factor. Decardo Day scored 16 points and dished out a team high 5 assists. Isaiah Wade and Emmanuel Ugboh both scored 15 points apiece, with Wade collecting his 15th double-double of the season adding 14 total rebounds.
Deandre Barton led Southeastern with 18 points, and three other Blackhawks scored 13 points apiece for the home team.
With the win, the ICCAC Region XI tournament final seedings are set. Monday (2/26/18) Northeast (5 seed) will travel to Marshalltown (4 seed). Wednesday (2/28/18) the winner of that Monday game will travel to #1 Indian Hills (1 seed) in one semi-final, while Southeastern (3 seed) will travel to Council Bluffs to play the Reivers (2 seed) in the other tournament semi-final. The Region XI final will be played at the highest remaining seed that upcoming Saturday (3/3/18).
The Reivers return to action this upcoming Saturday (2/24/18) when they host the current #1 team in the nation, Indian Hills (29-0) to conclude the regular season slate for both teams. Opening tip between Iowa Western and the Warriors is scheduled for 7:00pm at Reiver Arena.
