Playing their fourth road game in eight days, Iowa Central took on Southwestern Community College for the right to represent Region XI in the NJCAA D2 National Tournament in Danville, IL. But it wasn't meant to be as Southwestern hit 18 three point field goals in a 97-79 victory over Iowa Central. "Give credit to Southwestern, they made shots. It wasn't like we weren't contesting them, they just made shots. But this isn't going to take away from a good year we had and the amazing last week we've had. Our guys battled till the end. I can't fault their effort at all. Southwestern was just better than us today." Said Dennis Pilcher, head coach of Iowa Central.

In a game that was closer than the score indicates for the first 35 minutes, Iowa Central twice cut the lead to under 10 points but Southwestern made big shots to keep the Tritons at bay for most of the second half. "We cut it to 9 points a couple times but we couldn't get over that hump and get a key stop or a key basket to put some pressure on them." Stated Pilcher.

With the loss, Iowa Central finishes the season with a 21-12 overall record and a runner-up finish in Region XI. Iowa Central will graduate two sophomores from the team in Tray Croft and Robert Hawkins. "Obviously losing Tray will hurt. He has done so much for us. He has grown as a person and as a player in his two years here. Robert was such a team first guy all the time. Guys like him are hard to find nowadays. But hopefully getting this far will provide some motivation for our returning freshman this offseason." Said Pilcher

Southwestern game quick stats:

Tray Croft 28 pts

Royshawn Webb 24 pts

Thomas Akamarmoi 11 pts

Dallas Bailey 7 pts

Collin Shannon 6 pts