The Kentucky Wesleyan women’s basketball team recorded their sixth straight win on Thursday night at the Owensboro Sportscenter, defeating the Hillsdale Chargers 70-57. The Panthers were led by Tahlia Walton, who finished with 17 points and six boards.
The Panthers (12-4, 8-1 GMAC) began the game in dominate-fashion, holding Hillsdale scoreless through nearly five minutes of play leading 11-0. Shaylee McDonald led the big run, scoring five early points and assisting on another, which forced an early Chargers timeout. Wesleyan finished the first quarter strong, as Walton knocked down her first three-pointer of the game to give the Panthers an 11-point lead heading into the second quarter.
The Chargers never went away though, as they cut the lead to just five midways through the second quarter. KWC was able to extend the lead back to 11, but a 7-0 run to end the half would make it a 34-30 game at halftime.
The third quarter was reminiscent of the first, as the Panthers dominated out of the locker room going on a 7-0 run of their own forcing yet another Chargers timeout. The only difference in the first and second half was that Wesleyan never let them back in the game. Walton’s third triple of the game extended the lead to 15 heading into the final quarter.
The Chargers slowly chipped away at the lead, but the Panthers’ defense kept them at a safe distance as they would go on to claim their 13-point conference victory. Tonight’s win kept the Panthers’ record clean at the Sportscenter, as they are now 5-0 at home on the season.
McDonald had another impressive outing, scoring in the paint as well as running the offense efficiently by finding open teammates. She did it all, totaling 11 points, four rebounds, and five assists. Cali Nolot and Corina Conley added 12 points each.
Kentucky Wesleyan will be back in action on Saturday at 12 p.m. at the Sportscenter apart of a double-header against Northwood.
