The Kentucky Wesleyan College men’s basketball team suffered an 83-51 defeat on Thursday afternoon. Cedarville University, the hottest shooting team in the Great Midwest, came away with a crucial conference victory. The start time of the game was moved-up a few hours due to inclement weather bearing down on the region.
The Yellow Jackets (12-8, 8-5 GMAC), fresh off an 89-57 thrashing of Findlay a few days ago, continued their hot shooting on Thursday. Cedarville made half of their shots on the day, including a 15-28 clip from the perimeter.
As the Panthers (10-13, 5-10 GMAC) worked to find their offense, the Yellow Jackets came out blitzing. Cedarville outscored the Panthers 16-6 through the first six minutes. Wyatt Battaile hit two early threes and recorded 14 of the Panthers’ first 20 points. However, the Yellow Jackets held a 35-20 lead.
Jordan Roland hit a par of free throws to end the half, but the Panthers trailed 45-28 at the break. Cedarville converted at 61% from the field in the first 20 minutes.
The second half was more of the same as Cedarville held the Panthers to 32% shooting from the field. Battaile finished the game with 21 points and four rebounds.
The Panthers will head to Columbus, Ohio on Saturday for a match-up against Ohio Dominican. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:15 p.m.
