NORFOLK – Despite some struggles in the first half, the Northeast Community College women’s basketball team defeated Iowa Western Community College here Saturday, 83-69.
The Hawks, who held a 39-37 advantage at half-time, allowed eleven turnovers, gave up two open three point shots and saw the Reivers (20-3) score off offensive rebounds.
“I was somewhat disappointed with our first half of play,” said Matt Svehla, Northeast coach. “Our second half of play was much better. We defended pretty well and we really battled. We have a couple of girls who were under the weather, but our team wasn’t going to have any excuses.”
Svehla said he was proud of how his team played and found a way to get the win. “Iowa Western is a very good basketball team. They pose a lot of problems because they can beat you in the post, but also on the perimeter. We needed a solid team effort and we got it.”
Northeast improves to 21-2.
The Hawks had five players in double figures. Yasmin Miller scored 17 points, Lexi Murphy had 16, Alison Klostergaard finished with 15, Ena Viso had 12, and Megan Trinder had 10. Also for Northeast, Emily Gamble had seven points, Jamea Coleman had four, and Debinique Knowles had two.
The Reivers were led by Abigail Asoro with 27 points.
The Hawks have two games this coming week. Northeast travels to Columbus on Tuesday to take on Central Community College for a 6 p.m. contest. The following night, the Hawks will host Southwestern Community College at the Cox Activities Center on the Norfolk campus. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.