Trojans upset No. 9 Ellsworth, 90-85

IOWA FALLS - The NIACC men's basketball team upset No. 9 Ellsworth 90-85 Saturday afternoon in the ICCAC opener for both teams.

NIACC (8-2 overall, 1-0 in the ICCAC) received a game-high 27 points from sophomore guard Omarion Roberts. Roberts also had five assists, five rebounds and one steal.

The Trojans also received 15 points from Keon Alexander and 13 points from Brayden Drea. Alexander also grabbed eight rebounds with three assists and one steal.

NIACC was 9 of 13 from 3-point range in Saturday's contest. Roberts was 5 of 8 from 3-point range, Drea was 3 for 3 and Randy McClendon was 1 for 2.

Also for the Trojans, Zion Wright scored eight points with eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Zaheim Savage scored eight points with three assists, two rebounds and one steal.

NIACC trailed 47-44 at the half but outscored the Panthers 46-38 in the second 20 minutes to claim the road league victory.

It was the first time the Trojans have beat a rated team since knocking off No. 12 Iowa Lakes 83-78 on Jan. 22, 2024.

It was also the Trojans' first win at Ellsworth since claiming a 86-74 victory on Jan. 26, 2019.

Ellsworth (8-2, 0-1) was led by Rav Randhawa with 19 points.

NIACC returns to action Wednesday at home in an ICCAC contest against Iowa Lakes. Game time in the NIACC gym is slated for 7:30 p.m.

NIACC's 2024-25 season (8-2 overall)

Wilbur Wright College 88, NIACC 81 (H)

NIACC 89, DCTC 76 (H)

NIACC 123, Mount Mercy Junior Varsity 107 (H)

NIACC 81, Black Hawk College-Moline 71 (N)

NIACC 93, Grand View Junior Varsity 85 (N)

NIACC 104, Waldorf University JV 65 (H)

NIACC 104, Minnesota North College-Hibbing 78 (H)

NIACC 81, Central CC-Columbus 79 (H)

Southeast CC 82, NIACC 74 (H)

NIACC 90, Ellsworth 85 (A)