Road Warriors split on the road
Iowa Western vs. Labette Community College
The Iowa Western Women's Basketball team traveled south to Parsons, KS to face the NJCAA DII #3 ranked Labette Community College. The Reivers, ranked 15th in the nation, were still having to deal with COVID-19 protocols and were only able to suit up eight players. Labette CC was able to inch out a 70-67 win in a game that came down to fouls and free throws in the fourth quarter.
The Reivers shortened roster proved to be a task as foul troubled plagued them in the second half. This took a toll on the Reivers as two players picked up their fifth fouls with minutes left in the game. The Cardinals connected on 18 of 25 attempted free throws for the night. The Cardinals took ten more free throws than the Reivers would attempt for the game. A last second attempt at a three-pointer to send the game into overtime just nearly missed and would hand the Cardinals the win.
"It's difficult playing on the road, it is especially more difficult when you don't have your entire roster," stated coach Lindsey Vande Hoef. "Once we are able to get through the COVID-19 protocols, we will finally have the strength of our entire team," Lindsey added.
Freshman forward Michell Butler logged her first double-double of her collegiate career putting up 11 points and grabbing 13 rebounds for the Reivers. Ndidiamaka Ndukwe added 22 points on (8/13) shooting from the field. Mary Delgado scored 14 points and dished out four assists for the game.
Iowa Western vs. Southeast Community College
The Reivers traveled to Beatrice, NE to take on the Southeast Community College. The Reivers outlasted the storm to earn their first win of the season. The Reivers were finally able to have the entire team suited up and ready to play after having fulfilled their COVID-19 protocols.
The Storm were red hot from the three-point line connecting on 62% of their attempts making eight out of their 13 attempts. The Reivers were able to fight back knocking down 12 of their own three-pointers. The game had a few lead changes in the third-quarter but in a game full of three-point shooting, the Reivers proved to be too much for the Storm.
Ten out of the 11 players who suited up for the Reivers scored. The Reivers had five players score in double figures. Ndidamaka Ndukwe led the Reivers with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Ruba Abo Hashesh shot an impressive 50% from the three-point line making three out of her six attempts putting up 11 points and adding eight assists. Mary Delgado, Courtney Fields and Michell Butler all contributed 10 points each.
The Reivers will be back in action to complete their week of travel on November 20th when they face Kansas City Kansas Community College. The team will be back at the Reiver Arena on November 26th for the Microtel Thanksgiving Classic.