BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball team played its final exhibition game of the season on Tuesday night. The Panthers had an opportunity to see how far they have come through the first nine games of the season. Wesleyan fell in the end 75-53.
 
Playing their second game in as many nights, the Panthers had a prolonged adjustment period to start the game. The Hilltoppers raced out to a 17-5 lead through the first eight minutes as Zach Hopewell came off the bench to provide a quick three-point basket and mid-range jumper.
 
Adam Goetz found his rhythm thereafter as he scored 10 points over the next four minutes as Wesleyan pulled within 27-18 with just over seven minutes left in the half. The Panthers remained within striking distance the rest of the period and went into the locker-room facing a 42-29 deficit.
 
Wesleyan committed nine turnovers in the opening half, allowing WKU to score nine points off their miscues. WKU scored the first 14 points of the game, but the Panthers outscored the Hilltoppers the rest of the half.
 
The Panthers looked to cut into the Hilltoppers lead at the start of the second half. A lay-up by Goetz followed by a three-point play from Mohamed Abu Arisha pulled the Panthers to 46-38 with 16 minutes left in the contest. However, over the next seven minutes the WKU offense ignited as they embarked on a 17-2 run that put the contest out of reach. The Hilltoppers led 63-40 with nine minutes left in the contest and led by as many as 25 in the final minutes.
 
Goetz finished the game with 18 points. Wyatt Battaile added eight points, five rebounds, and five assists. Hopewell recorded nine points.
 
The Panthers will return to Great Midwest action on Thursday against Trevecca. Tip-off at the Sportscenter is scheduled  for 7PM.