OWENSBORO, Ky. – Five players reach double figures for the Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball team on Saturday, including two double-doubles recorded in an 88-78 win over Shorter University.  Brandon Hatton tallied a career high on the afternoon as the Panthers opened the KWC Thanksgiving Classic in style. With the win, Kentucky Wesleyan snaps a four-game skid to improve to 2-4 on the season while Shorter remains winless at 0-7.
 
The Panthers jumped out to a six-point lead less than two minutes into the game and held a steady seven-point lead until Hatton nailed a jumper at the 8:25 mark to put Kentucky Wesleyan ahead by 10, their first double digit lead of the game.  The Hawks fought back to come within six with just over three minutes remaining, but the Panthers closed out the half with a 12-4 run to take a 43-29 lead to the half.
 
Hatton drilled a pair of free throws to open the second frame, putting the Panthers ahead by 16, their largest lead of the game.  The Hawks chipped away as the Wesleyan offense slowed. Midway through the second half Shorter took their first lead of the game, but it would not last long as Rasheide Bell nailed a three-pointer with an assist from Erik Bell.  A 12-2 run allowed the Panthers to regain a 67-58 lead with eight minutes remaining.
 
Less than a minute later the lead dwindled to 67-62 after Joe Russel converted from the free throw line. Daniel Dzierzawski answered with a three-point basket, followed by a lay-up. Hatton capped-off the 8-0 run with another three-point bucket.
 
The Hawks pulled within two possessions with three minutes left, but could not get any closer. The Panthers made nine of 15 three-point baskets on the day while Hatton finished with a career-high 24 points. Amir Warnock recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Evan Milligan added 12 points and 10 rebounds to also record a double-double. Bell notched 12 points and career best nine assists. Dzierzawski closed out the game with 13 points.
 
The Panthers will take on Delta State during day two of the Kentucky Wesleyan College Thanksgiving Classic with tip off set for 4:15 pm on Saturday.
 
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