Reivers open up 2018 where they left off in 2017

Council Bluffs, IA -- The #21 Iowa Western Reiver men opened the 2018 portion of their schedule with an impressive 89-63 defeat of Iowa Central (13-2) at Reiver Arena Wednesday night (1/10/18).  It was the Reivers' first contest since December 16th when they dispatched Iowa Lakes in Estherville, IA 105-85.

Like the Iowa Lakes game, Iowa Central came into the contest a three point making machine, averaging 13 made three point shots a contest.  The Reivers held the visiting Tritons, who had beaten a couple NJCAA D1 programs earlier this season, to just 1/6 in the first half and 3/12 for the entire game from behind the arch, holding Iowa Central's high scoring attach to 21 points below it's season average of 84 points a contest.

Offensively, the Reivers only turned the ball over six times in a high possession game that saw the home team get off 75 field goal attempts to Iowa Central's 54 shots. Iowa Western was able to create defensive stops and turnovers that were quickly turned into points at the other end with unselfish passes for easy baskets; ultimately pushing the lead to a 34 point margin with 5:02 left to play in the contest.

Iowa Western was led by Jevon Smith and Patrick Dembley's 19 points a piece. Shadeed Shabazz added 17 points, including a significant stretch of points early in the second half that got the Reivers out of Iowa Central's reach. In all, ten Reivers scored in the contest. Emmanuel Ugboh grabbed a game high 9 rebounds as he and his teammates improved their overall record to 16-2 on the season.

Royshawn Webb scored a game high 21 points for the visiting Tritons from Fort Dodge, IA.

Iowa Western opens up conference play this Saturday (1/6/18) against Marshalltown at Reiver Arena.  That contest between the Reivers and Tigers is slated for a 7:00pm tip.