OWENSBORO, Ky. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College women's basketball team kicked off its 2018-19 season in thrilling fashion on Sunday, nearly upsetting Division I University of Evansville in an exhibition game.  The Panthers led the entire second half but a buzzer beating three pointer allowed the Aces to steal an 81-80 win.

With 1:42 remaining in regulation, Emma Johnson made a pair of free throws to give Wesleyan a six point lead, their largest of the quarter.  A fast break lay up and a three-point basket allowed Evansville to knot the game at 76 with 33 seconds remaining.

Jenna Martin gave Wesleyan the lead back with 21 seconds with a lay up before the Aces responded with a lay up of their own, tying the game at 78 with 12 seconds left.  Martin was fouled on the ensuing possession and nailed both free throws to give Wesleyan a two point lead at the 12 second mark.

Evansville missed the game tying layup with 9 seconds remaining but the ball bounced off a Wesleyan defender and out of bounds, allowing the Aces to maintain possession.  With four seconds remaining, Evansville inbounded the ball and found an open player up top who drained the game-winning three point basket as time expired.

The Panthers held a shooting percentage of 43.8% from field goal range and was 20-34 from the free throw line.  Wesleyan dominated the paint, scoring 44 points to Evansville's 24.

Keelie Lamb and Emma Johnson both finished with a double-double.  Lamb tallied 16 points and 13 rebounds, 10 of which were offensive, while Johnson recorded 15 points and 10 boards.

Martin led all players with 22 points in addition to two steals and five assists.

Wesleyan kick offs the regular season next weekend at the GLVC G-MAC crossover hosted by Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, Tenn.  The Panthers take on Drury at 5 pm CT on Friday followed by Truman State at 5 pm CT on Saturday.

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