Ottumwa, Iowa

After watching Indian Hills seemingly score at will at Reiver Arena, Iowa Western entered Thursday night's rematch with one thing on their mind against the 8th ranked Warriors ... defense.

The Reivers nearly got payback.  A back and forth first half saw Hills take a late, 25-23, lead into the break, just half of what IWCC gave up in the two teams first meeting on February 10th.

"I thought our guys did a great job focusing and executing defensively and consistently challenging them (IHCC) from a defensive standpoint," said Head Coach Chad Van Riessen.

Van Riessen's squad came out of the break ready, tying the score at 25 on the first offensive possession.  The two squads would trade leads and see the game tied several times before the Warriors inched ahead. 

IWCC wouldn't go away as Kaeden Lawary's jumper with 10:38 to play gave the Reivers a 46-45 lead.  The home squad responded and would never allow IW to get any closer than four points for the remainder of the game.

"Offensively, we had some empty possessions down the final stretch of the game that I felt was the difference," said Van Riessen.

Dhashon Dyson led the way for the Reivers, earning a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Dewayne Vass led the team in scoring once again, hitting his season average with 16.

Elijah Bishop and Elijah Pickens both had 10 points, while the only bench support came from Lawary, who finished with six points and three rebounds. 

Next up for the team is a Saturday trip to Iowa Falls, Iowa to face Ellsworth.  That game is scheduled to tip at 3:00 pm as part of a double-header with the Women's team.

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