NIACC women fall at buzzer, 79-78

ESTHERVILLE - Ihari Oromo made a layup as time expired Wednesday to lift Iowa Lakes to a 79-78 victory over NIACC in an ICCAC women's basketball contest.

NIACC briefly took a 78-77 lead with 5.4 seconds remaining in the contest when freshman Jackie Pippett made one of two free throws.

Iowa Lakes, which was out of timeouts, moved the ball the length of the floor in the final seconds. Oromo, caught the ball about 10 feet from the basket, converted the game-winning basket at the buzzer.

NIACC (10-5 overall, 2-5 in the ICCAC) trailed 61-50 after three quarters and outscored the Lakers 28-18 in the final 10 minutes.

Iowa Lakes (12-5, 6-1) was led by sophomore Jaeda Whitner, who is from Mason City, with 21 points. The Lakers, who are in second place in the ICCAC, also received 16 points from Oromo.

NIACC was led by freshman Audrey Martinez-Stewart with 24 points, seven assists and five steals. Freshman Alyssa Hames scored 16 points with nine rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Also for the Trojans, Nora Francois scored 11 points. Pippett, who was the ICCAC player of the week last week, scored nine points.

NIACC returns to action Saturday at home against DMACC. Game time is slated for 1 p.m. in the NIACC gym.