HARROGATE, Tenn. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball team went toe-to-toe with Lincoln Memorial University on Wednesday night but a strong start to the second half from the Railsplitters allowed them to pull away with the 87-67 win for their second ever victory over the Panthers.
Neither team was able to get a double-digit lead in the first half. Back-to-back jumpers from Adam Goetz gave Wesleyan their first lead of the game at the 14:22 mark before three straight three's from the Railsplitters allowed them to regain an eight point lead. Deng Mayot halted Lincoln Memorial's momentum with a fast break lay up on an assist from Tarik Dixon.
The Panthers strung together five straight points to pull back within two. Mayot nailed a jump shot followed by a pair of free throws from Fort and a three from Dixon. Dixon knocked back another three at the 2:36 mark to take a 32-31 lead.
Dixon finished the first half a perfect three-for-three from beyond the arc including one in the final 30 seconds as the Panthers faced a 40-35 deficit at the break. Wesleyan boasted a shooting percentage of 51.9% with Dixon and Goetz leading the way with 11 points a piece.
Lincoln Memorial opened the second half with a monstrous 22-3 run to take a 62-38 lead with just under 12 minutes remaining. Cameron Seaton ended the drought for the Panthers on a fast break lay up with Mayot on the assist. The Panthers were unable to overcome the second half deficit, falling 87-67.
Mayot finished with 17 points and grabbing four rebounds. Dixon scored 15 points off the bench, never missing a shot on five-for-five shooting while dishing out a team-high four assists. Goetz tabbed 13 points while recording the lone block for the Panthers. Mohamed Abu Arisha led Wesleyan with five rebounds.
The Panthers return home to the Sportscenter for their final non-conference game of the season against Alice Lloyd College. Tip off is set for 10 am CT on Saturday, December 29.
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