BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College women's basketball team went toe-to-toe with Western Kentucky university on Thursday night, holding the lead through three quarters but ultimately falling 72-60 in their first exhibition game of the season.

The Panthers held an 11-8 lead after the first quarter after draining six three's in the first 10 minutes.  Emma Johnson shot 3-for-3 from behind the arc including one in the final minute.

Western Kentucky outscored Wesleyan 17-16 in the third quarter but the Panthers were able to hold onto their lead.  Wesleyan took a 42-36 lead to the break after shooting 52% from the floor and 50% from downtown.

Wesleyan lost their touch in the third quarter, shooting 27.3% to the Hilltoppers' 38.9%.  Western Kentucky took their first lead of the game on a lay up with 51 seconds remaining before Tahlia Walton knocked back a three with 7 seconds remaining to give the Panthers a 53-51 lead entering the final frame.

The fourth quarter saw the Hilltoppers outscore the Panthers 21-7 for Wesleyan's lowest scoring quarter of the game.  Western Kentucky separated themselves with a 14-0 run over four minutes of action to en route to the 72-60 victory.

The Panthers lead for over 27 minutes of the game with their largest lead coming at 10 points in the first quarter.  Rebounds proved costly as the Hilltoppers held the advantage, 53-28.

Johnson finished with a team-high 12 points followed by Keelie Lamb and Walton with nine.  Kaylee Clifford paced the team with seven rebounds while Kaylee Duncan and Lamb dished out four assits.

Wesleyan posted one dozen three pointers with Duncan, Lamb, Clifford and Jordyn Barga each recording two.

The Panthers close out their exhibition schedule next Tuesday, travelling to Clarksville, Tenn. to take on the Governors of Austin Peay.  Tip off is set for 5:30 pm CT on November 5.

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