NASHVILLE, TN - It was a balanced effort for Kentucky Wesleyan in their season opener on Friday, as four Panthers scored in double figures to lead them to a 75-66 victory. Up by just one heading into the fourth quarter, KWC outscored SBU 22-14 in the final frame to pull away for the win.

SBU (0-1) started hot out of the gate, going up 7-2 early before the Panthers (1-0) clawed their way back. Tied 16-16 with one minute left in the opening period, Cali Nolot scored four straight points to put KWC up 20-16 after one. 

With the lead going back and forth all throughout the second quarter, Corina Conley made a layup with Emma Johnson hitting a three to head into halftime up 35-33.

Fueled by a Jordyn Barga layup and two buckets by Corina Conley, KWC used a 12-6 run in the third period extend their lead to 50-43 with three minutes left in the frame. SBU came storming back, however, and cut the game to 53-52 heading into the final quarter.

Southwest Baptist opened the fourth quarter by taking a quick 54-53 lead, but that was the last lead they would have all game. Leah Richardson scored five straight points, followed by a Tahlia Walton layup to start a 12-2 run that saw the Panthers put the game away. Two free throws by Shiya Hoosier closed the game out for Wesleyan, giving them the 75-66 victory. 

Tahlia Walton and Cali Nolot each tallied 15 points, followed by 13 from Leah Richardson and Corina Conley. Emma Johnson, Shiya Hoosier, and Emma Leis each had two steals to lead KWC. Jordyn Barga pulled down a team high six boards in the victory. 

The Panthers shot 28-54 (51.9%) from the floor and 4-19 (21.1%) from three. The Bearcats shot 26-51 (51%) from the field and 5-15 (33.3%) from three.

Turnovers were the difference in the game, as Wesleyan forced 22 Southwest Baptist turnovers while committing just 15 themselves. 

The Panthers will be back in action tomorrow when they take on #2 Drury in Nashville, TN. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. CT.

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