The Ellsworth Community College men’s basketball team defeated DMACC 86-69 Wednesday in the Elite Eight round of the NJCAA Division II Tournament in Danville, Illinois.
The Panthers raced out to a 33-25 halftime advantage and never looked back, advancing to their second national semifinal appearance in three seasons. Shooting 49 percent while holding their opponent to 29 percent, they avenged two regular season losses to the Bears.
Jayden Pretty led with 19 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, Tanner Berggren scored 18, Alex Charlotin scored 13, Jonovan Wilkinson added 11 and Den Pembele scored 10, rounding out five players scoring in double figures.
The national semifinal game will be Friday at 6:00 p.m.
