Northeast had a slow start but gained energy toward the end of the first half, taking a 33-23 lead by halftime.
"We didn't finish very well around the rim tonight, but we had some timely three-point shooting that was key, and it helped open the game up," said Matt Svehla, Hawks coach.
Jerrica Neal hit two three-pointers on the night and tallied 11 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals. Baileigh Nuzum went 4-for-6 and led Northeast in scoring with 12 points. Irene Sanz finished with nine points, while Sierra Bell and Mykala Baylor had seven each. Baylor led rebounds with seven.
"Our ball movement was pretty good tonight, even though we didn't shoot a great percentage, but it was our second half defense that was probably the key for us," Svehla said. "We held them down in points, and that allowed us to open our lead. We are heading into our holiday break in pretty good fashion."
The Hawks (14-1) will return to action on Wednesday, January 10, when they host Little Priest Tribal College at the Cox Activities Center on the Norfolk campus. Game time is 5 p.m. with the men's game to follow at 7 p.m.
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PHOTO CUTLINE
Judit Valls (center), of Northeast Community College, scrambles for a loose ball in Thursday’s game against Iowa Central Community College in Norfolk. The Hawks beat the Tritons 61-35 to improve to 14-1 on the season.