OWENSBORO, Ky. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball team fell to Walsh University on Thursday evening 79-69 at the Sportscenter. Dakota Quinn logged a career-high eight blocks while Malek Harris produced a season-high 20 points in the Great Midwest loss.
 
The Cavilers (8-3, 5-2 G-MAC) proved to be a difficult defensive match-up with long bodied ball handlers throughout the roster. A back-and-forth first half swung towards Walsh in the final five minutes. The Panthers (9-6, 4-2 G-MAC) led 24-22 with five minutes left in the opening frame when the Cavs rattled-off eight straight to take a 30-24 lead.
 
Branden Wilkins converted a free-throw before the horn that gave Walsh a 33-29 edge. The first frame featured 11 points from Daniel Dzierzawski on five of six shooting while Quinn notched four blocked shots.
 
Less than five minutes into the second frame, the Cavs built a 10-point lead (50-40). As the action picked-up the Panthers chipped away, gaining traction on Walsh. An offensive rebound and put-back by Quinn cut the deficit to five while a steal by Evan Milligan on the following possession gave Dzierzawski a fast-break lay-up making the contest a one possession game, 57-54 with 10 minutes remaining.
 
The Cavs continued to find the answer for the threatening Panthers down the stretch as their lead grew to as many as 15 points with 5:35 remaining. Long, time consuming possessions by Walsh did not allowed Wesleyan many openings. The Panthers lacked a deep presence on the night, converting three of 13 three-point shots.
 
Overall Wesleyan converted at nearly 50% from the field on the night while Walsh shot 55% in the second half to find separation. A week after setting a career high in blocked shots, Quinn better his total by one, finishing with eight blocks. Harris added 20 points, 16 coming in the second half. Milligan recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Dzierzawski added 17 points and three assists.
 
The Panthers will host Malone on Saturday. Tip-off at the Sportscenter is scheduled for 3:15 PM CT.
 
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