OWENSBORO, Ky. – For the first time since the 2014-15 season, the Kentucky Wesleyan College women's basketball team reached 20 wins on Thursday night, defeating Davis & Elkins College in Great Midwest Athletic Conference play. It marks the fifth time in program history that the Panthers eclipsed 20 wins in a season and the fourth time under Co-Head Coaches Caleb and Nicole Nieman. This is the first time the duo has done so in the regular season.
Facing an eight point deficit early in the second quarter, the Panthers exploded for a 14-0 run over four minutes of action to take a six-point lead. Lily Grimes started the run with a layup before Wesleyan knocked back four straight three-pointers. Shayla Wright drained two, including the game-tying basket while Jenna Martin and Emma Wolfe both tallied one.
The Panthers went on to score 26 points in the second quarter, 24 of which came from three's, to take a 34-25 lead to the break.
Keelie Lamb recorded a fast break lay up at the 7:21 mark of the third to give Wesleyan their first double-digit lead of the game at 11. Davis & Elkins fought back in the final frame, making it a two-point game with 4:07 left on the clock.
Martin drained a three before Kelsey Ivers banked in a lay up to halt the Senators momentum. The two teams traded three's, holding Wesleyan's lead at seven with 2:27 remaining.
The Senators utilized a pair of free throws in the final minute to cut the deficit to two but four Panther free throws in the final eight seconds allowed Wesleyan to hold on for the 66-62 win.
Martin paved the way with 18 points with four three's. Grimes dished out a team-high four assists with five rebounds. Kaylee Clifford led the defense with two blocks while Lamb tallied three steals. Wright and Emma Johnson both reached double figures off the bench with 11 and 10 respectively.
The Panthers host Alderson Broaddus on Saturday in their home finale that also marks Senior Day and Alumni Day. Tip off is slated for noon as Wesleyan looks to finish the 2018-19 season undefeated at home.
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