KWC bounces back with win - Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics

Box Score

Less than 48 hours after experiencing a tragedy of immeasurable proportions on their home court, the Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball team returned to the Sportscenter on Saturday afternoon for a Great Lakes Valley Conference game against Illinois-Springfield.

The 10th-ranked Panthers were challenged by the hot-shooting Prairie Stars, but KWC responded to the call with an 88-75 victory before a crowd of about 2,000.

On Thursday night, in KWC's five-point loss to undefeated and fifth-ranked Southern Indiana, Screaming Eagles senior center Jeron Lewis died at Owensboro Medical Health System after collapsing on the Sportscenter court with less than five minutes to play.

"Under the circumstances, I had no idea what to expect from our team," Wesleyan coach Todd Lee said. "I thought we lacked concentration at times, but that's certainly understandable.

"I was proud of the way we had guys step up and get the job done for us when Springfield was making a run at us. Travis Owsley was great for us in the first half, and Kwan Waller provided scoring support and a lot of energy.

"It was good to get back on the court and play, and it was good to get this game behind us. We're on the road for our next five games, and that may be a good thing. It will allow us to come together as a team and continue the healing process."

Wesleyan was predictably sluggish early on, as Illinois-Springfield drained four 3-pointers and rushed to a 20-12 lead in the first eight minutes.

Waller then scored the final seven points of an 11-0 run that gave KWC its first lead of the game -- 23-20.

The Prairie Stars' Justin Simms answered with another 3-pointer to tie it, but Owsley scored consecutive baskets to trigger a 10-0 spurt that pushed the Panthers in front 33-23.

Wesleyan (17-2, 6-1 GLVC) led 46-34 at intermission, but Lee warned his team that Illinois-Springfield would not go away.

"I told our team that they start four seniors and a tough-minded junior point guard, and they bring a senior off the bench," Lee said. "They're well-coached, and they're a good shooting team from long distance.

"I expected them to make a run at us, and they did."

KWC was sailing along with a 55-39 advantage after Desmond Stephens swished a pair of free throws at 16:08, but the Prairie Stars came roaring back behind Simms, who scored 13 points in a 20-9 run. Simms' deep 3-pointer at 5:46 pulled the visitors within 64-59.

Stephens responded with a 3-pointer and Wilson scored on a follow shot, however, to keep Illinois-Springfield at bay. The Prairie Stars never got closer than nine the rest of the way.

KWC was paced by Marico Stinson, who made 4-of-7 shots from 3-point range and finished with 20 points. Chris Williams and Jay Ivey each scored 12, Waller had 11 and Stephens -- scoreless in the first half -- rallied for 10 points and a game-best seven assists.

The Prairie Stars' Richard Oruche was superb, finishing with 23 points, six rebounds and five assists. Simms came off the bench to score 18 points and grab eight rebounds.

Illinois-Springfield (6-7, 3-5) sizzled from 3-point land, making 12-of-21 shots (57 percent), but was victimized by 19 floor errors.

KWC shot 80 percent from the foul stripe (24-of-30) and 40 percent from 3-point range (8-of-20).

The Panthers narrowly won the rebounding battle, 30-29. Williams led all players with nine boards.

KWC visits Rockhurst on Monday.

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