Five players reached double figures in the Kentucky Wesleyan College men’s basketball team win over Tiffin University on Thursday evening. The Panthers put on a show for the home fans by shooting 60% from the floor in a 91-67 victory over the Dragons.
The Panthers (4-2, 3-2 GMAC) made a concentrated effort to get the ball into the post, taking advantage of their size. Sasha Sukhanov accounted for Wesleyan’s first nine points as the Panthers took a quick 9-3 lead. Wesleyan connected on 10 of their first 11 shots and led 23-17 with 12 minutes left in the first half.
The Dragons (2-3 GMAC) caught fire and came charging back into the contest turning a 12 points deficit into a 28-25 lead after a 17-2 run. The Panthers steadied the ship thereafter as Jo Griffin buried three consecutive three-point shots. Not to be out-done, Zach Hopewell followed by connecting on another perimeter jumper. After Jamil Wilson’s jumper, the Panthers polished off a 14-0 run and led 41-30 with three minutes left in the half.
Wesleyan went into the locker-room shooting 70% from the floor, including converting seven of eight three-point shots. The Panthers led 43-32 at the break and scored the first seven points of the second half to build a 19-point lead, forcing the Dragons to take timeout.
The Panthers lead swelled to 63-37 after back-to-back three-point jumpers by Griffin and Hopewell. Wesleyan led by as many as 29 points in the second half before finishing with a 24-point win.
With the help of Sukhanov, the Panthers outscored Tiffin 42-18 in the painted area. Hopewell scored 11 of his 16 points in the second half as he also recorded seven assists against zero turnovers. Sukhanov finished with 17 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. Tre Cobbs battled foul trouble in the opening half, but led the team with 19 points. Griffin was seven of seven from the floor and added 18 points. Wilson chipped-in 10 points off the bench while Wyatt Battaile recorded seven points and grabbed 10 rebounds.
The Panthers will finish their homestand with a Saturday match-up against Cedarville. Tip-off at the historic Sportscenter is scheduled for 2:15 PM.
