Game Notes
Even though the Kentucky Wesleyan men's basketball team has already claimed the No. 1 seed in next month's conference tournament, coach Happy Osborne insists the No. 10 Panthers still have plenty to play for during the regular season.
KWC will close out its schedule with a pair of road contests, beginning Thursday night with a visit to Ohio Valley in Vienna, West Virginia.
The Panthers (23-3, 9-1 in G-MAC) earned the right to host the league tournament with their 67-42 drubbing of Alderson Broaddus on Saturday, but Osborne would still like to see his team shore up some things in its next two contests.
"It's a chance to get better," he said. "I truly believe in the last week of the season that people really get better. We've got time to keep improving."
That opportunity will come against the Fighting Scots (7-17, 3-7), who dropped a 101-79 decision to KWC in the season's first meeting on Jan. 30.
Despite the difference in records, Osborne noted the distinct advantage that Ohio Valley's home environment will provide. Still, he welcomes the challenge.
"It's the hardest place to play in the G-MAC," Osborne said. "They're 20 points better at home. It seats about 200, but they'll have 800 in there. They're going to be standing in the aisles.
"I think it's a fun place to play. I love it, and I love those environments. I think it's a great place to play. It's a challenge."
The Panthers will continue to rely on team balance, as 6-foot-1 guard Ken-Jah Bosley leads the team with 16.7 points per game. Other starters include 6-5 guard Jordan Jacks (13.6 points, 8.7 rebounds), 6-5 forward C.J. Blackwell (13.5 points), 6-7 forward Devin Langford (13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds) and 6-1 point guard Marcus Fillyaw (7.2 points, 3.6 assists).
Meanwhile, 6-3 guard Darryl Walker leads the Fighting Scots with 19.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. Other starters will be 5-8 guard Markese Allen (17.1 points), 6-4 guard David Sinickas (10.9 points), 6-7 forward Avery Williams (9.0 points, 5.8 rebounds) and 6-6 forward Arturs Vitins (7.0 points).
"They have a very good team," Osborne said. "Darryl Walker is one of the best players in the league. They're big inside, they're quick, they're athletic. Ohio Valley is very dangerous, especially at home. We're in for a war, and our guys know that.
"If we play defense, we'll be fine. Let's go to work and take care of business."
