Prior to tonight’s game, the Kentucky Wesleyan women’s basketball team (18-5, 14-2 GMAC) had already clinched a home Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) tournament game. Although they’ve already secured their playoff hopes, that didn’t stop the Panthers from defeating Tiffin 57-51 on Thursday night.
It wasn’t an easy win by any means, as the Dragons raced to a 10-2 lead to open up the game. Four early points from Shiya Hoosier as well as a three-pointer from Jordyn Barga got them right back into it. The Panthers entered the second quarter trailing 16-13.
Corina Conley’s midrange jumper gave Wesleyan their first lead of the game with 7:23 remaining in the second. Both squads caught fire from deep soon after, as Tiffin exchanged threes from Hoosier and Reeva Hammelman with two triples of their own. Conley nailed another three late in the quarter to give the Panthers a 29-28 lead heading into the break.
The beginning of the second half was similar to the first, except it was the Panthers that came out on a 10-2 run this time around. Cali Nolot led the charge, scoring five of the ten points including an and-one. The Dragons never subsided, cutting the lead to five before the final quarter.
Tahlia Walton’s triple fueled a Panthers’ 9-2 run midway through the fourth quarter. Quality free throw shooting late sealed Wesleyan’s six-point victory.
Hoosier led the charge offensively, pouring in 17 points and six rebounds. Shaylee McDonald did it all tonight, adding 12 points, seven boards, and three steals.
The Panthers will look to improve their record to 10-0 at home on the season as they host Findlay at 12 p.m. on Saturday for Senior Day.
