Panthers expecting test from Rockhurst - Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics

Kentucky Wesleyan College Athletics

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The No. 10 Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball team is hoping to turn the tables on Rockhurst University this season, beginning with today's game at Kansas City, Mo.

Last year, the Panthers were swept by the Hawks, who won on a pair of buzzer-beaters.

A more formidable KWC team, however, will challenge Rockhurst this time around. Nonetheless, Panthers head coach Todd Lee says his team must be at its best if it expects to win.

"They're a tough team to play at their place," Lee said. "Part of it is just the long bus trip out there (nine hours), and the long trip back. It's challenging all the way around when you've got to travel that far for one basketball game.

"It will be important for us to get out there, get settled, and get our attention focused on playing good basketball. It's not an easy trip, and Rockhurst is not an easy team to play."

The Hawks feature one of the Great Lakes Valley Conference's premier talents in 6-foot-1 senior guard Aaron Hill, who averages 22 points per game.

"Hill is a phenomenal player who is capable of a huge scoring night," Lee said. "We need to know where he is the entire ballgame. He's got great range as a shooter, and he just has a knack for putting the ball in the basket. He's a true scorer, and we'll have our work cut out for us to contain him."

Hill scored 31 points in Rockhurst's 102-92 victory over visiting Maryville on Saturday.

In addition to Hill, the Hawks (11-6, 6-2 GLVC) start 6-5 junior forward Aaron Morrissey (13 ppg, 5 rpg), 6-5 senior forward Jake Meyer (7 ppg, 3 rpg), 5-20 senior guard Tyler Knust (6 ppg, 3 apg), and 6-5 senior forward Jawan Davis (5 ppg, 4 rpg).

"They're a very well-coached team," Lee said, in reference to Rockhurst's Bill O'Connor, the reigning Great Lakes Valley Coach of the Year. "They play in a small gym, a very old facility with wooden bleachers. Traditionally, they're a much tougher team at home than on the road, so we've certainly got a big challenge in front of us."

The Panthers, meanwhile, are coming off Saturday's 88-75 victory over visiting Illinois-Springfield. In that game, KWC was powered by junior guard Marico Stinson, who was 4-of-7 from 3-point range and finished with 20 points.

In addition to Stinson (12 ppg), the Panthers will start 5-8 senior guard Desmond Stephens (17 ppg, 7 apg), 6-5 junior forward Chris Williams (12 ppg, 9 rpg), 6-4 senior guard Maros Zuffa (8 ppg, 4 rpg), and 6-7 junior center Jay Ivey (8 ppg, 6 rpg).

Wesleyan enters today's contest 17-2 overall and 6-1 in the GLVC.

"Our objective is to get a little bit better each time we practice, each time we play a game," Lee said. "All of these league games are tough, home or away, so it's essential that we be ready to play every time we step on the court."

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