#10 Eagles Prevail Over #6 Panthers in Regular Season Finale
Cedar Rapids, IA- In a critical ICCAC matchup, the tenth-ranked Kirkwood Eagles clashed with the sixth-ranked Ellsworth Panthers in a tightly contested battle at Johnson Hall. With postseason implications at stake, both teams fought tooth and nail for an advantage on the court.
The game was marked by six ties and twelve lead changes, showcasing the competitive intensity of the matchup. Despite both teams having the upper hand at times, the Eagles emerged victorious with a final score of 83-76, securing the 3 seed in the upcoming Division II Region 11 Tournament and a share of second place in the ICCAC standings.
Kirkwood's dominance in the paint proved pivotal, outscoring Ellsworth 48-36 and controlling the boards with a 37-33 rebounding advantage. Led by Zach Erwin's 17 points, along with Puolrah Gong (15), Traijan Sain (13), and Ayouba Berthe (10), the Eagles' balanced scoring attack propelled them to victory.
Off the bench, Tate Haughenbury provided a valuable contribution with 12 points and 5 rebounds, further solidifying Kirkwood's depth and resilience.
With their win, the Kirkwood Eagles set their sights on the Region 11 Tournament, where they will face the six-seed Southwestern Spartans in their first matchup. The game is on Saturday, March 2nd at 3:00 PM in Creston, IA.
