COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA – The Northeast Community College men’s basketball team opened conference play here Wednesday with 93-84 win over Iowa Western Community College.

After a back and fourth start, the Reivers took a 26-20 lead with just under ten minutes remaining in the half. Back-to-back turnovers by Iowa Western sparked a 21-8 run with the Hawks up 41-34 at the half.

A sluggish start to the second half sparked a 17-4 Iowa Western run which gave the Reivers a 51-45 lead. Northeast responded with back-to-back three point shots from Kevin Metoyer and Buay Tuach to regain the lead. A tight battle the rest of the second half remained until Jalen Bradley hit a corner three pointer to give the Hawks an 84-80 lead with three minutes remaining. Iowa Western never threatened to regain the lead.

“Our guys gutted out a big time conference road win with many players stepping up at various times throughout the game,” said Dan Anderson, Hawks coach. “I’m proud of the way our group battled through adversity the entire game.”

Metoyer led the way, scoring a career high 22 points. Tuach tallied 19 points, Dionte Smith had 13 and Bradley finished with 12. Chima Moneke recorded another double-double with 14 points and ten rebounds. As a team the Hawks shot 48 percent from the field and forced 27 Iowa Western turnovers.

The Hawks (16-3) continue conference play as it will host #15th Southeastern Community College on Saturday at the Cox Activities Center on the Northeast campus in Norfolk. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.