CANTON, Ohio – A career night for Kaylee Clifford helped the Kentucky Wesleyan College women's basketball team defeat Malone University on Thursday night by a score of 74-69 for the Panthers ninth conference win of the season.

A tightly contested first half saw the Panthers in a one point deficit at the half.  Clifford tallied the final points for the Panthers in each quarter with a three pointer at the buzzer in the first, and a lay up in the second with Kelsey Ivers on the assist.

Jenna Martin gave Wesleyan their first lead of the game midway thru the third quarter.  The game was knotted at 51 entering the final frame and quickly saw Malone take a four-point lead with less than five minutes remaining.  A layup from Martin followed by back-to-back three's from Emma Wolfe and Addie Reimbold put the Panthers ahead by four.

Wesleyan built up an eight point lead, their largest of the game.  A three pointer from Malone made it a three-point game with 13 seconds remaining but Keelie Lamb nailed a pair of free throws to seal the victory for the Panthers.

Clifford finished with a career-high 22 points and was one rebound shy of a double-double at nine rebounds.  The freshman also led the Panthers with two blocks while tabbing three steals.  Lamb also reached double figures, scoring 12 and leading the team with six steals.  Lily Grimes dished out a team high five assists.  The Panthers outscored the Pioneers 36-28 in the paint while scoring 31 points off of turnovers.

The Panthers head to North Canton, Ohio on Saturday to take on Walsh with tip off set for 2 pm CT.
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