Reivers Hold off Trojans at Home

COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA - It took a few minutes to get the Reivers started on Saturday night against North Iowa Area Community College however after the buzzer sounded the Reivers finished the game with a 71-66 win over NIACC to improve their record to 10-10.

The Trojans jumped out to a quick 8-2 lead to start the game however this would be NIACC's largest lead of the game. After a quick timeout by Coach Van Riessen, the Reivers locked-in on their target and turned things around quickly to take the lead in the game. 

Iowa Western's first-half charge was led by Chicago native Roland McCoy.  He had an explosive 16-point first-half performance and hit six consecutive shots from the field, four of which from downtown.  Although Iowa Western took the lead, the Trojans were able to keep the game within reach, and when the first half concluded it was Iowa Western leading 36-32.  

In the second half, the Reivers were challenged by NIACC's leading score McKelary Robertson.  He was held to only six points in the first half but was able to find his scoring rhythm scoring 16 second-half points.  The Reivers were able to control the second half of the contest by handling NIACC's full-court pressure, getting timely field goals and free throws.  Elijah Pickens converted 7 of his 8 free throws down the stretch to help the Reivers come away with another conference home win.

McCoy finished with a game-high 23 points, 8/11 from the field. Elijah Pickens added 17 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals; along with Kelvin Balfour contributing 11 points respectively. 

The Reivers next travel to Creston, IA to play Southwestern CC on Wednesday, March 31 for their last regular-season road game. 

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