EVANSVILLE, IN. – The 24^th ranked Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball team lost 88-75 to the University of Southern Indiana on Saturday night at the Ford Center. The Panthers struggled offensively throughout the first half before making a charge midway through the second period at the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic.
 
The Panthers shot 36% from the field in the first half and trailed the Screaming Eagles 47-28. USI extended its lead to 20 points at the start of the second half.
 
One thing that remained true throughout the contest was Wesleyan's ability to get to the basket. Bird Cardwell who recorded 23 points on the night before was scoreless in the first half. In the second Cardwell elevated to the rim and got three-point play opportunities as well as free throws.
 
The Screaming Eagles committed nine fouls in less than seven minutes in the second as Cardwell made five of seven free throws and collected nine points in that same time. The Panthers started to build momentum tailing 57-44. Feeling the momentum starting to shift, USI Head Coach Rodney Watson called timeout to reset.
 
Brandon Hatton dropped-in a three-point bucket before the second media timeout to bring the Panthers to within 59-49. The Screaming Eagles returned to working possessions in the half court and getting high-percentage shots to build a 65-51 lead with 10 minutes left in the contest.
 
Wesleyan was unable to get the deficit into single digits throughout the remainder of the game. The Screaming Eagles held a 25-10 advantage in second chance points while outscoring the Panthers 42-36 in the paint.
 
Daniel Dzierzawski finished the game with 17 points after going a perfect six for six from the foul line. Cardwell added 14 points, all in the second half. He also finished with seven rebounds. Hatton added 10 points off the bench while Dakota Quinn pulled-in seven rounds to go along with six points.
 
The Panthers will travel Detroit, Michigan to play Lake Superior State on the campus of Wayne State University. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 PM CT.

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