Box Score
Kentucky Wesleyan College had its full compliment of men's basketball players Saturday, and it made a significant difference on the scoreboard.
The Panthers beat Western Washington 71-58 in the Disney West Tipoff Classic in Anaheim, Calif.
They had the services of guard Desmond Stephens and forward Andree' Wilson. Both players sat out a one-game suspension in Friday night's loss to San Francisco State for violation of team rules.
Stephens had 13 points and five assists in 17 minutes. He made all seven of his free throws and also had three steals.
"It makes a big difference with him running the club," KWC coach Todd Lee said. "Late in the game he settles everything down. When they were fouling, trapping and pressing, he knocked down his free throws, provided leadership and was a calming influence over the rest of the guys."
Backcourt teammate Travis Owsley had a better second game than his debut Friday night. Owsley finished with 11 points, five assists and no turnovers. Owsley, a former Owensboro Catholic standout, had six assists and four turnovers in KWC's 78-53 loss to SF State.
"Travis played a great game tonight, he had to come in and play backup Desmond when Desmond got in foul trouble," Lee said. "Travis and Shawn (Rouse) were keys for us coming off the bench."
Shawn Rouse had 12 points and Chris Williams had 11 for the Panthers (1-1).
KWC still had a tough time shooting the ball. It hit 23-of-58 from the floor for 39.7 percent and was 8-of-21 from 3-point range for 38 percent.
The Panthers outrebounded Western Washington 40-32, and were paced by Jay Ivey with 11 rebounds. Ivey was also a standout at Catholic.
"There wasn't anybody who didn't do something good to help us win," Lee said. "We had nine guys contributed in different ways. It makes it fun."
Both KWC and Western Washington are 1-1.
The Panthers face Grand Canyon tonight at 8:30 in their last game of the Disney Classic.
