CANTON, Ohio - Four players reached double figures and Dakota Quinn flirted with a triple-double on Thursday night, but it was not enough to lift the Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball team to victory. The Panthers dropped a 86-70 decision to Malone University at Osborne Hall, marking the start of the final two weeks of the regular season. 

The Pioneers (18-7, 11-6 G-MAC) used a series of runs to top the Panthers on Thursday. Brandon Hatton tied the game at 23 midway through the opening half with a mid-range jumper. Ty Jordan answered with a three-point basket as Malone followed with a devastating 23-4 run to end the period. 

The Panthers (14-12, 8-8 G-MAC) could not grab momentum to start the second half either as the Pioneers extended their to 76-47 with 10 minutes left in the contest. Wesleyan held Malone scoreless for the next three minutes and cut into the Pioneers lead with 11 straight points. Daniel Dzierzawski capped-off the run with a steal and fast-break lay-up. However Jordan converted another three point basket to end the run and re-establish a 21-point lead, 79-58.

Dzierzawski started another rally to end the game. The Panthers went on a 14-2 run in the final 4:29, but the damage had already been done early. The Pioneers finished the game shooting 50% from the field and converted 13 three-point baskets, but were held to 10 points in the final 10 minutes. 

Wesleyan was led by Dzierzawski who finished with 14 points and three steals. Rasheide Bell finished with 13 points and three assists. Quinn played 29 minutes and recorded 12 points, 14 rebounds and tied a career-high with eight blocks. Malek Harris also reached double figures with 10 points while pulling in five rebounds. 

The Panthers will travel to Walsh University on Saturday as Great Midwest action continues. Tip-off is scheduled for 12 PM CT. 

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