The Kentucky Wesleyan College basketball teams wrapped up the regular season with a pair of wins Saturday. While the season is over for the men, the women earned the No. 2 seed in the conference tournament and will host their first-round game.
WOMEN
The Panthers (22-6, 18-4 G-MAC) won a share of the of the regular season title on Saturday by defeating Hillsdale College 87-81.
Wesleyan had no trouble getting to the basket from the start. Kaylee Clifford scored 14 first-half points, scoring from the perimeter, mid-range and under the basket for second-chance points.
After a 28-24 advantage through the first period, the Panthers relinquished the lead midway through the second before going back in front 53-52 by halftime.
The Chargers (16-12, 14-8 G-MAC) continued to produce a solid offensive effort in the third quarter as they opened a 72-63 lead, scoring the final five points of the period.
Clifford ignited a 14-0 run that was polished off by a layup from Keelie Lamb. The Panthers hit free throws down the stretch to secure the win.
Clifford finished with a career-high 25 points, Lamb added 21 and Lily Grimes had 15 points.
The victory marks the most regular season wins in program history.
The Panthers will host Ohio Dominican at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the first round of the G-MAC tournament.
MEN
The Panthers ended their season with a 76-61 upset over Hillsdale College to earn their 10th win of the season.
Adam Goetz recorded 18 points, finishing with 400 in his first season as a Panther and 1,000 in his collegiate career. The Panthers (10-16, 8-12 G-MAC) got double-digit scoring from all five starters.
After the Chargers (18-9, 14-6 G-MAC) jumped out to an early advantage, Goetz started a 13-1 run with a 3-point basket. A 3 by Goetz to end the half gave the Panthers a 31-29 lead.
Midway through the second half, Cameron Cartwright buried another triple, giving the Panthers their first 20-point lead of the game.
The Chargers never mounted a threat, as the Panthers held at least a 14-point lead through the final 10 minutes of the game. Goetz recorded his first double-double of the season as he grabbed 10 rebounds to go along with 18 points. Also reaching double-digit scoring were Mohamed Abu Arisha (15), Mayot (13), Erik Bell (11) and Zach Hopewell (10).
