Mason City, IA -- The Iowa Western Men's Basketball team returned to the hardwood after a 17 day layoff since it's 93-88 victory over Cloud County on December 17th. The Reivers traveled to 13-1 North Iowa Area Community College Saturday (1/4) afternoon and fell to the Trojans 100-88.
Iowa Western controlled the game's first 20 minutes of play, extending their lead to seven points on three separate occasions; but unable to push the lead out any further during any one of those instances. NIACC then closed the gap to 41-37 at halftime on a 8-2 run heading into intermission. The game's break in action changed the entire tempo of play, as the Trojans began to create significant foul trouble much of the second half for the traveling squad from Council Bluffs. By game's end, Iowa Western would have three players foul out, with two more receiving four personal fouls each. The home squad would go on to shoot 42 free throws (29/42) to just 20 for the visiting Reivers (12/20).
Both teams showed rust from their extended layoffs, as the Reivers committed 20 turnovers, while the Trojans had 16 giveaways as well.
Five Reivers scored in double figures, Jalen Dalcourt returned from his first semester injury that cost him the last four games of the first semester, with superb effort; shooting 8/10 from the floor and leading the Reivers with 20 points. Other double figure scorers were: Josiah Strong (20pts), Caleb Huffman (15pts), Kaleb Thornton (11pts), and Seneca Louis came up one rebound short of a double-double with a 10pt - 9 rebound effort.
Up next for Iowa Western is a trip to Beatrice, NE Tuesday (1/7) evening when the Reivers take on 10-4 Southeast. Iowa Western won the two teams first encounter with a 95-79 victory in Reiver Arena on December 10th. Tip time Tuesday is slated for 6:00pm.