The Kentucky Wesleyan college men’s and women’s basketball teams both picked up wins to open Great Midwest Athletic Conference play on the road against Trevecca Nazerene.
The men won 78-55 to move to 2-3 (1-0 G-MAC), while the women won 82-71 for their third consecutive victory to improve to 3-2 (1-0 G-MAC).
MEN
Trevecca jumped out to a 14-6 lead before the Panthers erupted for a 17-0 run to take control. Tyler Bezold started and ended the run with a 3-pointer, and a dunk from Zavon Godwin highlighted in the middle.
After Bezold drilled his third 3-pointer of the half, a Tarik Dixon steal and layup gave Wesleyan their first double-digit lead of the game. Three minutes later, Bezold made another 3 to put the Panthers up by 14 for their largest lead of the half.
The Panthers took a 37-26 lead to the break, but the Trojans tried to make a comeback midway through the second half.
Wesleyan responded with a 14-0 run to put it out of reach. With four minutes remaining, Mohamed Abu Arisha buried a three to give Wesleyan their largest lead of the game at 26.
Goetz led the Panthers with 21 points. Deng Mayot, Bezold and Abu Arisha each had 12. Geotz, Bezold and Abu Arisha all set career highs.
Wesleyan returns to action next week as they head to Tiffin University on Thursday followed by Cedarville on Saturday for a pair of conference games.
WOMEN
Five players reached double-digit scoring figures, and Kelsey Ivers recorded a double-double in the win.
The Panthers got off to a fast start as Lily Grimes commanded the offense, and her 3-point basket midway through the opening quarter built a 12-4 lead. Wesleyan’s 19-9 lead at the end of the opening frame turned into a 42-25 halftime advantage thanks to a 12-0 run sparked by a Shayla Wright 3-pointer.
With a 13-3 run late in the third quarter, Wesleyan built 68-40 lead. The Trojans chipped away late but never threatened
Emma Johnson came off the bench to score 12 points and grab six rebounds. Jenna Martin and Kaylee Clifford each scored 11 points. Keelie Lamb added 10 points, while Ivers finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Grimes recorded nine points and five assists.
Wesleyan returns to action next week as they head to Tiffin University on Thursday followed by Cedarville on Saturday for a pair of conference games.
