OWENSBORO, Ky. - A balanced scoring attack by the Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball team dismantled Davis & Elkins on Thursday night. The Panthers moved-up the Great Midwest standings with a 77-65 victory at the historic Sportscenter.
The Panthers (12-8, 6-4 G-MAC) used precision ball movement and active defense to build a wide margin in the first half. The Senators (4-11, 2-8 G-MAC) could not find a offensive rhythm from the floor, converting at 28% in the first 20 minutes.
High percentage shots were available for the Panthers as D&E featured a base 2-3 zone defense. Brandon Hatton gave Wesleyan a 24-12 lead with two free throws with less than nine minutes left in the first half. Hatton was the first Panther to reach double figures as he used pump fakes from the perimeter to drive and find mid-range open shots.
Daniel Dzierzawski completed a 9-2 run with a floating jumper with 90 seconds left in the half. Wesleyan held a 37-21 lead and sprinted to the locker-room with with a basket from Rasheide Bell and a 42-23 lead.
The lead grew to as many as 21 points in the second half as the Panthers continued to apply pressure. At the eight minute mark Dzierzawski's three gave Wesleyan a 19-point lead. As the clock continued to tick, the Panthers comfortably got to the finish line with a double-digit lead. Some sloppy play in the final minutes allowed the Senators to edge closer by the final horn.
Wesleyan featured five players in double figures. Bell finished with a double-double, 13 points and 13 rebounds. He also added six assists on the night. Malek Harris set the tone early and ended the game with 14 points. Dzierzawski also added 14 points on the night.
Hatton scored 10 of his 12 points in the first half. Amir Warnock chipped-in 12 points and grabbed nine rebounds.
The Panthers will host Alderson Broaddus on Saturday. Tip-off at the Sportscenter is scheduled for 3:15 PM
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