OWENSBORO, Ky. – The University of Findlay simply had too much fire power for the Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball team on Thursday evening. A high scoring affair turn in favor of the Oilers as they picked-up a 94-71 victory at the Sportscenter in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference opener.
 
The Panthers (3-5, 0-1 G-MAC) matched the visiting Oilers (6-3, 1-0 G-MAC) throughout most of the first half. A back-and-forth battle to start saw Findlay take a 27-18 lead midway through the first frame. The deficit grew to 37-27 a few minutes later, but Wesleyan marched back.
 
Back-to-back three-point jumpers by Rasheide Bell and Brandon Hatton pulled the Panthers back to one possession 41-39 with three and a half left. The run caused the Oilers to take a timeout to reset. Following the stoppage UF hit the gas and went on a quick 12-2 run. The spurt lasted just 93 seconds as the Oilers went into the locker-room with a 54-46 lead.
 
The Panthers held a 62% shooting percentage in the first half while the Oilers sat at 57%. Wesleyan committed eight first half turnovers as Findlay play relatively clean with three miscues. Hatton dropped-in another quick three-pointer to start the second half that cut the Panthers' deficit to five points.
 
The Oilers responded with a 10-0 run to build a 64-15 lead. The Panthers did not get closer than 14 points the rest of the game.  Bell finished with 15 points and four assists. Hatton added 14 points and five rebounds while Evan Milligan dropped 12 points off the bench.
 
The Panthers will continue G-MAC play on Saturday against Hillsdale College. Tip-off at the Sportscenter is scheduled for 3:15PM.
 
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