The Kentucky Wesleyan College basketball teams lost both ends of a doubleheader at Walsh University on Saturday. The women’s team suffered an 84-72 loss but still sit atop the conference, while the men fell 81-60 after finding themselves in a big hole early.
Both teams return home to host Davis & Elkins on Thursday followed by Alderson Broaddus on Saturday.
WOMEN – Walsh 84, Wesleyan 72
Despite suffering their second loss in a row, the Panthers (19-5, 15-3) remain in first place with a one-game lead over Walsh and Cedarville. Wesleyan has already clinched a postseason berth but the conference regular season title is still up for grabs.
The Panthers built a 9-point lead in the first quarter Saturday, but the offense went cold in the second quarter as they were held to 11 points. The Cavaliers heated up to score 27 points and take a 41-30 lead to the break.
Wesleyan closed the gap during the third period to get within 57-52 heading into the final frame, but Walsh was able to hand on for the win.
Emma Johnson led with 21 points off the bench, while Kaylee Clifford and Lily Grimes both finished with 17 points.
MEN
Some early 3-pointers kept Wesleyan close early, but the Cavaliers stretched an 18-17 lead to a 43-29 advantage at the break.
The Panthers’ offense came out strong again to start the second half, and a layup by Adam Goetz started a 17-5 run. Wesleyan was able to trim the deficit to 7 points with just under 11 minutes remaining.
After some back and forth, Walsh pulled away with 9 straight points and held a double-digit lead the remainder of the game.
Mohamed Abu Arisha led the Panthers with 16 points off the bench while grabbing a team-high 9 rebounds. Goetz finished with 14 points and 7 rebounds while Tyler Bezold tabbed 12 points.
