MARTIN HAS 29 POINTS IN WILD DOUBLE-OVERTIME GAME FOR HAWKS AGAINST REIVERS

NORFOLK, Neb. – The Northeast Community College men's basketball team was back home Wednesday night at the Cox Activities Center in Norfolk against Iowa Western Community College. The Hawks fell by a final score of 119-115 in what was an instant classic.

Northeast (7-12, 3-9 ICCAC) trailed by 16 points with just over five minutes to play but rallied and put together a massive comeback to send the game to overtime. Jacob Martin (Omaha, Neb.) led the way with a career-high 29 points and was trailed closely by Vincent Garrett's (Lincoln, Neb.) 24 points. The Hawks controlled most of the first overtime period behind a raucous environment before the Reivers put together a comeback of their own to send the contest to a second overtime. The two squads both made 42 different field goals on the evening and battled for 50 minutes in the showdown that eventually went to Iowa Western down the finishing stretch.

STAT SHEET:

Jacob Martin (Omaha, Neb.): 29 PTS, 5 AST, 3 STL

Vincent Garrett (Lincoln, Neb.): 24 PTS, 10 REB, 5 AST, 5 STL

Ben Hammond (Norfolk, Neb.): 18 PTS, REB, 2 STL, BLK

HEAR FROM THE HAWKS COACH:

Head Men's Basketball Coach Josh Clark on his team staying in the fight and battling in the highly-competitive game:

"Last week we had two tough losses," Clark said. "We came back and had a really good practice on Friday. We talked about being a team. Saturday was a step in the right direction. This week we took a big step. We are starting to trust each other. Some of these guys have never been to double overtime in their life. They don't know what to do or what to think. I'm proud of the way they played. They were cheering together and the bench was great."

Clark on the lively crowd at the Cox Activities Center tonight:

"The crowd and the students were awesome," Clark said. "Credit to the students. I don't know if I've seen that in 20 years. It's a credit to everyone. I'm happy for the support for the program because the guys put in so much work that is not seen. Tonight, we didn't get the win, but we fought. It's a step in the right direction. Our guys know that when we step on the floor, we are going to compete."

Clark on making sure tonight's performance carries to Saturday:

"I think the guys see now what is expected," Clark said. "They see now what is expected of each person. Roles are starting to be defined and I think the guys are starting to star in those roles. Saturday is not going to be easy, but we just need to play how we can play with tough defense and patience on offense."

UP NEXT:

The Hawks will be back at home and will host McCook Community College at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Cox Activities Center in Norfolk.  

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