Gatton leads DMACC’s second half run

BOONE – Freshman from Montezuma Riley Gatton led a spirited second half charge that came within a few seconds of netting her junior college basketball team a come-from-behind victory on Saturday, Feb. 23.

Gatton scored 20 points – 18 of them in the second half – as Des Moines Area Community College dropped at 64-62 decision to Iowa Central.

Iowa Central led 30-20 at the half.

But Gatton got going, dropping in four three-point baskets in the second half on her way to an 8-for-13 shooting game overall.

In the final minute, Gatton drove into the lane, crossed over and made a left-handed layup, giving DMACC a 62-61 lead with 53 seconds left.

But, a free throw in the final three seconds tied the game, then an offensive rebound and a putback of the next attempted free throw gave Iowa Central the lead with just 2.2 seconds left.

Gatton had two rebounds, a blocked shot, a steal and an assist.

DMACC has one game left, Wednesday, Feb. 26, at Southwestern Community College in Creston.