ST. CHARLES, Mo. – The Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball team open its season on Friday evening with an impressive 84-76 win at the Lindenwood Tip-off Classic. The Panthers matched-up with Great Lakes Valley Conference foe Illinois Springfield, who received two first place votes in the GLVC preseason coaches' poll. Four players reached double figures while JoMel Boyd and Ben Sisson each finished with a double-doubles.
 
The first official contest for both teams saw a slow start, but it was the Panthers that looked more seasoned and better conditioned throughout the contest. Midway through the opening half Wesleyan held a 21-18 lead. The Panthers took control of the contest in the final 2:19 of the opening period.
 
Leading 34-30, the Panthers closed the half on a 10-1 run. Kaeveon Mitchell connected on two three-point baskets, including the final bucket of the half that gave Wesleyan a 44-31 lead at the break. Jamil Wilson led all scorers at the half with nine points.
 
The Panthers kept their foot on the gas in the second half as they held a comfortable three-possession lead for a majority of the frame. With 15 minutes left in the contest Wesleyan held a 52-43 lead and entered the final 10 minutes of the game holding a 66-55 lead.
 
Feeling the desperation of the moment, the Prairie Stars (0-1) pulled within 73-66 with 5:35 left in the game. After two free throws from James Kelley, UIS was withing five, 73-67. The Panthers answered right back on the next possession as Wyatt Battaile found Ben Sisson open for a short jumper. Free throws around a Battaile pull-up jumper over the final four minutes sealed the victory for the Panthers.
 
Battaile finished with 20 points on eight of 13 shooting. He also pulled in seven rebounds and dished out three assists. Boyd notched 13 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to record his first career double-double. Sisson also recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Sisson was four of five from the floor and a perfect four of four from the charity stripe. Wilson recorded 31 minutes to finish with 17 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
 
The Panthers will play host Lindenwood tomorrow evening as the Tip-off Classic continues. Tipoff at Robert F. Hyland Arena is scheduled for 7 PM.
 
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