ST. CHARLES, Mo. – Playing their second game in as many days, the Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball team matched-up against Lindenwood University on Saturday evening. The Panthers suffered an 83-78 loss to the Lions. Ben Sisson recorded a career-high before fouling out of the game with three minutes left in the contest. 
 
Both teams proved to be evenly matched as all statistical categories were near identical, minus free throw shooting. The Lions (1-1) held the same free-throw shooting percentage as the Panthers, but received double the chances. 
 
At the start of the contest the Lions took an early 13-8 lead. However, before the under 10 minute media timeout the Panthers (1-1) were on top 24-19. Jamil Wilson capped off the 16-6 run with a three-point basket. 
 
The Panthers held a lead as big as eight points, 38-30, after a Ben Sisson lay-up late in the first half. Wesleyan shot over 48% from the field in the opening half and went into the locker-room with a 38-32 lead. 
 
Jacoby Ross started the second half with a three-point basket and that ignited the Lions second half effort. Ross made a second three within the first two minutes of the half as Lindenwood tied the game at 40-40. With less than 16 minutes left in the game, the Lions edged in front 47-44.
 
The Lions would hold a lead for the rest of the contest. Both teams field goal shooting percentage dropped in the final 20 minutes, but with timely baskets and the ability to get to the foul-line the Lions would lead 59-50 with 10 minutes to go in the contest. 
 
The Panthers still had a run left as they cut into the Lindenwood lead over the next five minutes. Sisson hit a pair of free throws followed by a defensive stop by the Panthers. Jordan Roland connected from the perimeter as the Lions' lead was just two points, 64-62. 
 
In less than two minutes, the Lions returned a nine-point lead, 71-62, with 3:53 left in the game. In the closing moments the Panthers would get within four points with 20 seconds left in the game, but that is where the comeback was stopped. 
 
The Lions shot 39% from the field compared to the Panthers 41%. The biggest difference in the contest was Lindenwood's ability to make free-throws in the second half and down the stretch. The Lions went 24 of 28 from the line in the game, including 21 of 24 in the second half. 
 
Sisson finished with a career-high 21 points and pulled-in five rebounds. In total four players reached double figures for the Panthers as Roland added 19 points on seven of 11 shooting. He also grabbed three rebounds and dished out three assists. Both Wyatt Battaile and JoMel Boyd each finished with 12 points. 
 
The Panthers will return to the historic Owensboro Sportscenter on Tuesday for their home opener against Midway. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:45 PM. 
 
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