BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball team had their final tune up on Thursday night before the regular season begins.  The Panthers took on Samford in their second exhibition game of the season, falling 68-42 in Birmingham.  Wesleyan has one final exhibition game this season in December when they travel to Bowling Green to take on Western Kentucky.

The Bulldogs came out hot, taking an 11-0 lead less than four minutes into the game.  Nathan Boyle halted their run with a three to put the Panthers on the board.  Three minutes later Mohamed Abu Arisha cut the deficit to single digits with his first three pointer of the night.  It was déjà vu midway through the half as Adam Goetz and Cameron Cartwright both knocked back three's to cut the deficit to seven.

Samford utilized an 11-0 run to build up an 18-point lead with 2:24 remaining in the first half.  The Panthers outscored Samford 6-0 from there while forcing three Bulldog turnovers.  Abu Arisha recorded back-to-back lay ups with Ben Sisson tallying the third to make it a 33-21 game at the break.

Wesleyan was outscored 35-21 in the second half en route to the loss.  The Bulldogs shot 43% from the floor to the Panthers' 28%.  Wesleyan was outscored 44-18 in the point while allowing 30 points off of turnovers.

Abu Arisha led the Panthers with seven points off the bench.  Wyatt Battle, Ben Sisson and Goetz each finished with six.  Jo Griffin and Goetz both grabbed 10 rebounds while Goetz paced the team with four assists.

Wesleyan opens the regular season next week on Wednesday, November 13, traveling to Louisville to take on former Great Lakes Valley Conference foe Bellarmine.  The Panthers home opener is slated for Saturday, November 16, hosting Urbana at the Owensboro Sportscenter.

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