COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa - The Iowa Western men's basketball team won their conference opener with a 111-105 victory over Northeast Community College. The Reivers got off to a slow start as the Hawks were connecting on open 3-point attempts in the early going. Midway through the half the Reivers would settle in and began converting easy baskets at the rim, but the Reiver defense struggled to get any stops. The Hawks would take a 6-point lead into the intermission with a score of 48-42.

The Reivers rose to the occasion in the second half as they quickly stole the lead from Northeast. The Reivers led for much of the half, but the Hawks would not go quietly after a few quick missed shots and turnovers from the Reivers the Hawks clawed back into the game and even took a brief 1-point lead. Iowa Western handled the Northeast pressure and was able to get to the free-throw line 45 times for the contest. The Reivers were also red hot from 3 as Donavan Seamster led the way with 5 made 3-point attempts to help the Reiver offense. Iowa Western finished the game 13-28 from the 3-point line (46.4%). 

In the end, the Reivers would convert at the rim and at the free-throw line to seal the game. Donavan Seamster led all scorers with 25 points. Emion Galloway had a monster night with 22 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double. Jadon Cool also scored 22 points and grabbed 8 boards. Bryson "Champ" Calamese had his best game in a Reiver uniform with 15 points, 10 assists, and 4 steals for the game.

This was head coach Andy Shaw's first win in ICCAC action. The Reivers are now 7-5 on the season and 1-0 in the ICCAC. Iowa Western will hit the road for the next two games as they play at NIACC and Ellsworth CC.