Hawks can’t capitalize on first-half lead

CRESTON, Iowa – The Northeast Community College men's basketball team took a one-point lead into halftime and let it slowly slip away, dropping an 81-62 ICCAC contest on Wednesday night in Creston, Iowa.

It was a back-and-forth affair for much of the first half, but the Hawks (3-13, 3-13 ICCAC) led by four points with 5:36 to play after Michael Anderson (Lincoln, Neb.) sank a 3-pointer. The Spartans nearly answered every made shot by the Hawks down the stretch, but a layup by Anderson ultimately gave Northeast the go-ahead lead.

However, the second half was a different story. The Spartans quickly took a 10-point lead and never looked back. The Hawks tried to mount a comeback, but the Southwestern defense held strong and allowed only 30 points in the final half.

Anderson tallied 23 points and eight rebounds. Jared Lopez (Lincoln, Neb.) added 16 points, while Evan Decker (Omaha, Neb.) had 10 points and seven boards.

The Hawks square off with Southeastern Community College at 1 p.m. Saturday in West Burlington, Iowa.

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Northeast Athletic website: www.northeasthawks.com