FINDLAY, Ohio – A shorthanded Kentucky Wesleyan College men's basketball team produced another gutsy performance on Thursday evening. The Panthers, playing their fifth straight road game, came within one possession of a season sweep over the University of Findlay, but the Oilers escaped with a 71-64 victory. 
 
The Panthers (10-9, 5-6 GMAC) trailed by as many 19 points in the second half, but pulled the contest to one possession in the final two minutes. Wesleyan miss-fired on two consecutive possessions that would have tied or pulled the Panthers ahead. 
 
Both teams exchanged baskets to start the game, but the Oilers ended the half with six straight points in the final 78 seconds to take a 42-35 lead. The first half was even throughout except the scoreboard. Both teams shot 50% from the field while Findlay out-rebounded the Panthers 15-14. Nathan Boyle made four of five three-point baskets for 12 points in the first 20 minutes. 
 
The Oilers (11-5, 5-3 GMAC) continued their run to start the second half as they scored 10 straight points before the Panthers stopped the 16-0 run with Wyatt Battaile's driving lay-up. Wesleyan trailed by 19 points (56-37) with 15 minutes left in the game. 
 
Findlay nearly flatlined in the final 10 minutes, leading by 16, Battaile converted a pair of free-throws to help start the Panthers' comeback. In the next five minutes, Battaile scored five points while Jordan Roland added six points in that same span as the Panthers outscored the Oilers 13-2. 
 
Wesleyan trailed 63-58 at the five minute mark, forcing the Oilers to burn through their timeouts. With all the momentum on their side the Panthers got within one possession (66-64) after JoMel Boyd got to the basket and converted a three-point play. On the ensuing possession, an offensive foul immediately gave the ball back the Panthers. 
 
Battaile rolled off a screen and missed a three with 1:55 left in the game. Another turnover by the Oilers gave the ball back to the Panthers, this time Roland miss-fired a floating jumper that would have tied the game. Wesleyan would not score the rest of the way as free-throws extended the Findlay lead at the end. 
 
Battaile and Boyle each finished with 12 points. Battaile recorded a double-double with 11 rebounds as well. Antonio Thomas added 11 points while Roland added 10 points. Boyd recorded nine points and seven rebounds. Jamil Wilson dished out six assists. 
 
The Panthers will travel up to Hillsdale, Michigan on Saturday for a game against the Chargers. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:15 PM CT. 
 
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