LAKELAND, FL - 40 minutes wasn't enough in the Panther's Terrace Hotel Classic Opener against the host Florida Southern College, as the KWC needed overtime to take down the host Mocs 77-72. 

With the win the Panthers move to 3-2 on the year while the Mocs drop to 1-3. 

Rachel Richardson opened the game with a three pointer just 12 seconds in, the only three KWC would hit all game. The teams battled back and forth in the first quarter until Shiya Hoosier made a fastbreak layup with 30 seconds left to give the Panthers a 17-16 lead after one. 

Cali Nolot scored five of the Panthers first seven points in the second quarter as KWC went up nine four minutes into the frame. Mariah Edmonds hit a layup with two minutes left to go up late, and after four points to close the half by FSC, Kentucky Wesleyan went into the break up 31-27.

Florida Southern controlled the third period, outscoring the Panthers 21-10 in the frame to go up 48-41 heading into the final 10 minutes of play. 

KWC used four straight free throws by Nolot to cut into the Mocs lead early in the fourth quarter. Nolot was on fire the entire quarter, scoring 10 points in the frame to lead the Panthers back. Down by two with 1:40 left, Tahlia Walton calmly sunk two free throws to tie the game at 62-62. Neither team could score over the final 100 seconds and the game went into overtime. 

KWC got up early, using free throws by Walton and buckets by Leah Richardson and Jordyn Barga to go up six before Florida Southern could even score a point. As the period went along, the Mocs started fouling. Shiya Hoosier sunk four free throws in the final minute to seal the win for the Panthers. 

Cali Nolot led the way with 23 points, 13 of which came from free throws. Her 13 free throws made is tied for 3rd all time in KWC history. Tahlia Walton was the only other double-digit scorer as she dropped 22 in the game. Nolot also led with eight rebounds, followed by Walton (6) and Jordyn Barga (6). 

Kentucky Wesleyan shot 23-61 (37.7%) from the field and 1-21 (4.8%) from three. Florida Southern shot 24-60 (40%) from the field and 4-19 (21.1%) from three. 

Free throws were the difference in the game, as the Panthers went 30-43 (69.8%) from the charity stripe while Florida Southern hit 20-28 (71.4%). The 30 free throws made is tied for eighth all time in KWC history.

Kentucky Wesleyan will be right back at it again tomorrow when they take on Lynn in the final game of the Terrace Hotel Classic. Gametime is set for 11 a.m. CT.

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