Dec. 4, 2006

Final Stats

By Anthony Arroyo Journal-Advocate sports reporter

STERLING -- It was a dog fight from start to finish, but the Plainsmen basketball team pulled out a victory against the team that gave them their first loss last year in a 75-70 thriller against Iowa Western Community College.

Although Northeastern committed five more turnovers than their opponent and were out-rebounded by three, the team responded by shooting for a better percentage than the Pirates and connected on clutch free throws down the stretch.

"It wasn't one of the more prettiest games you will see, but we'll take it," head coach Eddie Trenkel said. "There were a lot of flaws that I can elaborate on but what is most important right now is that the guys hustled and fought hard for this win.

Omar Leavy have himself a nice night, putting up 17 points and handing out seven assists. Troy Smith came off the bench to also score 17 points.

"I came out tonight and just played like I always do," the product out of Baltimore Maryland said after the game. "I felt the urgency that I had to step up today and make my presence known.

Freshman Mike Dominguez put up 10 points in the contest and LaTravis Turner did the same, also recording 10 rebounds for his double-double. Rashad Austin had 12 points and five rebounds.