CARBONDALE, IL. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College women's basketball team started its season with an exhibition contest against Southern Illinois University on Saturday. SIU forced the Panthers to play from behind the entire contest as both teams got much needed experience to start the 2017-18 campaign.
 
The strong first half led to an 89-41 victory for the Salukis. SIU finished the contest shooting 55% from the field, including a 62% clip in the second half. The Panthers fell behind 11-1 through the first three minutes of the game and finished the first quarter facing a 18-6 deficit.
 
The deficit grew to 22 points by halftime. Despite the score, the Panthers forced the Salukis into 15 turnovers in the first 20 minutes.
 
The Salukis started to spread the Panthers all over the half court in the second half as the outside shooting began to heat up.  SIU connected on six of 12 three-point baskets in the final two quarters as their lead continued to grow.
 
Bree Cates finished with eight points in 19 minutes of action. Both Kaylee Clifford and Lily Grimes each recorded three rebounds.
 
The Panthers will continue its exhibition season on Tuesday as they make a trip to Clarksville, Tennessee to play Austin Peay. Tip-off is scheduled for 7PM.
 
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