Hawks fall in final seconds to Marshalltown

MARSHALLTOWN, Iowa – The Northeast Community College men's basketball team had its season come to an end on Monday night at the hands of Marshalltown Community College 67-66 in the Region XI Tournament in Marshalltown, Iowa.

With three seconds to play, freshman Emmette Page (Brooklyn Park, Minn.) was fouled and sent to the line to try and tie the game for the Hawks. Page made his first free throw, but the second attempt fell short and the Tigers were able to grab the rebound just as time expired.

The Hawks (13-16, 2-6 ICCAC) grabbed their first lead of the game with 8:48 to play in the first half after a 3-pointer from Daniel Akuei (Melbourne, Australia). It was a back-and-forth affair for the rest of the half, until Northeast gained a one-point advantage on a layup from Moses Byekwaso (London, United Kingdom). But, it was the Tigers that went into the locker room with the lead after a late dunk.

Northeast managed to control portions of the second half, including a six-point lead off a jumper from Akuei and a layup from Byekwaso. Another layup from Page gave the Hawks an eight-point advantage with 12:16 to play in regulation.

With under a minute to play, Marshalltown began to slowly inch back into the game, thanks to a few costly turnovers from the Hawks. The Tigers managed to pull away after missed free throws proved to be the difference.

Page led the Hawks in scoring with 14 points, five assists and four rebounds. Joel Ufele (London, United Kingdom) had a double-double with 13 points and 10 boards. Byekwaso chipped in 13 points and five rebounds.

The Hawks shot 42 percent from the field and 44 percent from beyond the arc.

For all news related to Northeast Community College athletics, visit northeasthawks.com for complete coverage. Fans can also follow the Hawks on Twitter @NortheastHawks for game-day coverage.