OWENSBORO, KY. – In a crucial Great Midwest match-up, the Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball team defeated Lake Erie College 65-51 on Thursday evening. Wyatt Battaile scored 17 first half points as the Panthers withstood a physical contest by getting the foul line in the second half.
 
As Great Midwest play turns to the final half of the season, the Panthers (7-11, 6-5 GMAC) charged ahead from the onset. The Storm (12-8, 6-4 GMAC) attempted to use isolation on offense and drove to the basket constantly throughout the game. However, Battaile hit four early three-point baskets as Wesleyan took a 16-7 lead through the first eight minutes.
 
After two more free-throws Battaile had recorded 14 points in the first 10 minutes, giving the Panthers a 18-7 lead. The Panthers knocked-down six of 11 three-point shots in the first half as Battaile polished-off the first 20 minutes with another bucket from the perimeter. Wesleyan stood defensively in the final minute and held a 32-23 lead at the break.
 
The Panthers opened the second half with 10 consecutive points in less than two minutes to extend their lead to 42-23. Adam Goetz was responsible for half of those points, but the rally did not stop there. Goetz utilized his ability to get to the charity stripe and tallied 12 points in the first five minutes of the second half. Wesleyan took a 20-point lead (47-27) in that span.
 
The lead grew to as many as 22 points after Cameron Cartwright's three-point basket at the 13-minute mark. Field goals became increasingly difficult to come by down the stretch, but the Panthers were able to maintain its cushion and shorten the game with long offensive possessions.
 
Wesleyan converted 13 of 16 free-throws in the second half and 17 of 21 for the game. Battaile finished with 19 points on six of 12 shooting from the field. He also pulled-in seven rebounds. Goetz made 12 of 14 free-throws and recorded 16 points and six assists on the night. Jo Griffin dished out seven assists.
 
The Panthers will have over a week to prepare for Lake Erie again. The second meeting will take place in Painesville, Ohio on Saturday February 1^st. Tip-off is scheduled for 12 PM CT.
 
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