OWENSBORO, KY. – It came down to the final possession at the historic Owensboro Sportscenter on Monday evening as the Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball team won a back-and-forth match-up with Salem University. Jordan Roland reached a career-high in Panther uniform as he hit the decisive free-throw to give Wesleyan an 81-80 victory.
 
The game was knotted at 33 with less than four minutes left in the opening half, but the Panthers (4-2) finished the period on a 12-2 run to take a 10-point lead into the locker-room, 45-35. Nathan Boyle hit four three-point baskets in the first 20 minutes to pace the Panthers with 12 points.
 
The lead grew to 47-35 as Wyatt Battaile opened the second half with a bucket. However, Salem (4-3) outscored the Panthers 11-1 in a quick run that lasted less than four minutes. Every time it looked like the Panthers were going to pull away, the Tigers would claw back.
 
Barron Tanner gave the Tigers a 78-75 lead with less than three minutes in the game, but two free throws by Roland followed by a steal and lay-up on the next possession returned the lead to the Panthers, 79-78. With 44 seconds left in the game, the Tigers held a slim 81-79 lead. Roland was fouled on the next possession and split a pair form the charity stripe.
 
Salem missed a shot form the perimeter with seven seconds left in the game. Sasha Sukhanov fought for the rebound and saw Roland unattended at half court. As Roland sprinted to the basket, he was fouled with three seconds in the game. He made one of two from the line to give the Panthers an 81-80 lead. The Tigers last second attempt was knocked away before they could take a shot.
 
Roldan finished the game with 21 points and five assists to lead the Panthers. Boyle added 15 points off the bench on five of eight shooting from the perimeter. Battaile also reached double figures as he finished with 10 points and five assists. Antonio Thomas dished out seven assists on the night.
 
The Panthers will open Great Midwest Conference play on Thursday with a match-up against Hillsdale College. Tip-off at the Owensboro Sportscenter is scheduled for 7:45PM.
 
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