by Alan Hoskins, KCKCC
Iowa Western made the most of its superior size and depth to roll to an 81-52 win over Kansas City Kansas Community College in Council Bluffs Tuesday.
Five Iowa Western players had seven or more rebounds as the Reivers dominated the boards 49-28 and also outscored the Blue Devils off the bench 23-4.
The Blue Devils continued to get good performances from their three returning starters as Mike Lee scored 17 points, Kellen Turner 15 and Jon Murray 14 as they accounted for all but three of KCKCC’s 19 field goals. Murray also had 11 rebounds for another double double and Turner added five rebounds.
KCKCC trailed only 20-16 only to be outscored 18-3 in the final 7:12 of the first half and trail 38-19. Jeremiah Jefferson led the early Reiver surge with 13 of his game high 18 points. Three other Reivers were in double figures as Iowa Western improved to 6-2.
“The last five minutes of the first half was probably the saving part of this basketball game,” said Iowa Western coach Michael Johnette. “The last four halves, we’ve played with good defensive intensity and execution.”
The Blue Devils will get another shot at Iowa Western when the Reivers come to KCKCC Dec. 6. Meanwhile, the Blue Devils will try to get their first win next Tuesday at Penn Valley before returning home against Wentworth Nov. 3 and North Arkansas Dec. 2.