Reivers go 1-1 in Microtel Thanksgiving Classic
Council Bluffs, IA – The Reiver women lost a tough game in the Microtel Thanksgiving Classic, falling to No. 7 ranked New Mexico Junior College. The Reivers were however, able to pull out the win against McCook Community College. The Reivers move to 3-3 and will now begin conference play.
Iowa Western vs. New Mexico JC
The Reivers were missing Michell Butler, their second leading scorer and second leader in rebounding. Throughout the game, the Reivers were unable to connect on their field goals and struggled to score in the paint, falling to the Thunderbirds 74-53.The Reivers zone helped to contain the Thunderbirds to 20 points in the first quarter. Although the Reivers struggled to score, they were able to hold the Thunderbirds to just eight points in the second quarter. A last second half-court shot by Ruba Abo Hashesh, would bring the game to within seven points at the half making the score 20-12.
The Thunderbirds came out very aggressively in the third quarter and took advantage of the poor shooting night for the Reivers. The Reivers gained momentum through some key defensive stops through a zone defense but the Thunderbirds would connect on three crucial three-pointers in the fourth quarter that would put the game away.
Freshman Ndidiamaka Ndukewe led Iowa Western with 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Iowa Western vs. McCook
The Reivers had a quick turnaround from their game against NMJC and faced McCook Community College the very next day. The Reivers would haul together and put up 70 points against the McCook Indians who would score 57 points for the game. After a quick exchange of baskets to start the game the Reivers gained momentum through some key defensive stops through their feisty man defense. The Reivers, coming out of their shooting slump, would put up 38 points at the half.
The Indians would not be outdone defensively and were able to chip away at the lead. Hitting a three-pointer that would bring to game to within five midways through the third quarter. After a quick time-out, the Reivers would then lock in offensively and end the third quarter up by 11 points.The fourth quarter would belong to the Reivers who outscored the Indians by a point ending the game 70-57.
Scoring was spread out amongst the Reivers as every player who clocked in for the Reivers would score. Leading the Reivers were Ruba Abo Hashesh and Ndidiamaka Ndukwe who both scored 11 points.
The Reivers will travel to Ellsworth Community College to kick off the start of conference play on Wednesday December 1st taking on the Panthers at 5:30 p.m.