Panthers Wreak Havoc on Storm
The drive for five will continue on Saturday for the Kentucky Wesleyan College men’s basketball team. The Panthers took down Lake Erie College 86-72 on Thursday night to mark their fourth win in-a-row. In total Wesleyan saw four players reach double figures as Jamil Wilson finished the game with 24 points.
The Panthers (9-4, 8-4 GMAC) started the game a little sluggish from the field, but that quickly turned things around. The game remained a back-and-forth affair as the tie reached 37-37 with 82 seconds left in the opening half. A three-point basket from Zach Hopewell broke the tie and help the Panthers take a 43-37 lead in the locker-room.
Wesleyan shot 51% in the opening half as Hopewell paced the team with 12 points. Each team was looking for energy in the second half as the game moved into the final 11 minutes with the Panthers still holding a 57-54 lead. Wyatt Battaile buried a pull-up jumper to extend the lead to five.
The Panthers outscored the Storm (0-9 GMAC) 15-5 over the next five minutes. The run was highlighted by a dunk, defensive rebound, and three-point basket all from Jo Griffin to ignite the Sportscenter. With a 16-point lead, the clock was firmly on the side of the Panthers.
Wesleyan extended possession and worked the clock over the final five minutes. The Panthers led by as many 17 points before settling for a 14-point victory. Wesleyan shot 55% from the field and 51% from the perimeter.
Wilson scored 14 of his game-high 24 points in the second half. He also dished out five assists on the night. Hopewell added 19 points while Battaile came one rebound shy of a double-double, 13 points and nine rebounds. Griffin also reached double figures with 10 points, Griffin added eight rebounds and five assists.
The Panthers will end the week, just as it started with a game against Ohio Dominican. This time the game will be contested at the historic Sportscenter. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:15 PM.
KWC women down Storm 82-62
The Kentucky Wesleyan College women’s basketball team returned home in style on Thursday, taking down Lake Erie in Great Midwest action by a score of 82-62.
With the win, the Panthers improve to 10-4 in the G-MAC while the Storm fall to 1-12.
Wesleyan was unable to establish a double-digit lead in the first quarter but held a 18-14 lead after the first 10 minutes of action. Lily Miller shot a perfect 2-2 in the first while dishing out a pair of assists.
A strong defense held the Storm to just 1 point in the final 5 minutes of the first half. The Panthers utilized a 12-1 run to take a 42-26 lead to the break. Tahlia Walton accounted for nine of those 12 points.
Walton finished with a game-high 19 points off the bench without attempting a three-point shot. Emma Johnson also reached double figures off the bench at 13. Kaylee Clifford chipped in 12 points while leading the team with six rebounds.
Miller dished out a team his five assists on the night. Shiya Hoosier recorded a career-high six steals.
The Panthers remain home this weekend to host Ohio Dominican. Tip off is slated for noon at The Owensboro Sportscenter.
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