HILLSDALE, Mich. – Despite having the toughest road to navigate, the Kentucky Wesleyan College women's basketball did what all championship teams do, win on the road. The Panthers won a share of the of the regular season title on Saturday as they showcased their depth, speed, and skill in defeating Hillsdale College 87-81. Wesleyan, winners of 15-games in row earlier this season, broke the Chargers' modest eight-game streak in the process.
 
The Panthers had no trouble getting to the basket from the onset. Kaylee Clifford became a dual threat as she provided Wesleyan with an inside-outside attack. Clifford scored 14 first half points, scoring (22-6, 18-4 G-MAC) from the perimeter, mid-range, and under the basket for second chance points.
 
Wesleyan led by as many as eight points in the first frame, finishing the first 10-minutes with a 28-24 lead. The second stanza was equally as explosive offensively with both teams converting at a high percentage. The Panthers relinquished the lead midway through the second period as McKenna Ott gave the Chargers 38-36 edge with lay-up.
 
The Panthers scored six points in the final minute of the half as Emma Johnson started the run with a three-point play. Wesleyan went into the locker-room with a 53-52 lead.
 
The Chargers (16-12, 14-8 G-MAC) continued to produce a solid offensive effort in the third quarter as they opened a 72-63 lead, scoring the final five points of the period. The offensive out-put by Hillsdale was only a tease, as the Panthers came all the way back, holding the Chargers to just nine fourth quarter points.
 
Lily Grimes started the fourth with a three-point basket, but it was Clifford who ignited a 14-0 run. Clifford would go on to post a career-high 25-points and scored five points in the rally. Kaylee Duncan tied the game and gave Wesleyan the lead with a pair of free throws with four minutes left.
 
Keelie Lamb polished off the run with a lay-up before the Chargers ended a three and half minute drought with a basket. Not to be overshadowed with their prolific offense the Panthers committed only three turnovers on the day. With two minutes left,  Wesleyan crashed the offensive glass while Hillsdale was forced to foul, sending a parade of Panthers to the free throw line.
 
On the day the Panthers made 23 of 32 free throws. Clifford also pulled in six rebounds to go with her career-high 25 points. Lamb added 21 points and eight rebounds while Grimes made two fourth quarter threes and finished with 15 points and four assists.
 
The victory marks the most regular season wins in program history. Of the three teams tied atop the Great Midwest standings, only the Panthers have 14 games against the top eight, going 10-4 while Walsh was 9-2 and Cedarville 7-4.
 
Once the field has been set, the Panthers will host the opening round on Tuesday afternoon. Tip-off at the Sportscenter is scheduled for 3:30PM CT.
 
Great Midwest Tournament Information:
Tickets will go on sale Monday at 11am. Season ticket holders wishing to purchase their seats can purchase their tickets:
 In-person at the Sportscenter Monday 11am-2pm
In-person at the Convention Center front desk Monday 2pm-5pm / Tuesday 9am-1pm
At the door 2pm-halftime
 
Non-season ticket holders:
 In-person at the Sportscenter Monday 11am-2pm
In-person at the Convention Center front desk Monday 2pm-5pm / Tuesday 9am-1pm
Online at owensborotickets.com starting 11:00am on Monday
At the door 2pm-halftime
 
Gates open at 2:30pm
All tickets are $8 (includes sales tax)
Kids under 5 years old,  KWC, and Ohio Dominican Students are free w/ID