OWENSBORO, KY – The Kentucky Wesleyan Women's Basketball team (13-4, GMAC 8-3) secured another Great Midwest win at the Sportscenter today, as they defeated Walsh (5-12, GMAC 3-8) 69-52. The Panthers dominated the paint, scoring 42 of their 61 points inside.
Jordyn Barga got started early on Saturday afternoon, snagging an offensive rebound and converting an and-one just 17 seconds into the contest.
Jordan Gillies drove across the lane for a layup to give Wesleyan a 7-2 lead with 6:23 left in the first. Barga's jumper with just over a minute remaining gave her seven first quarter points and the Panthers a one-point lead heading into the second quarter.
Wesleyan and Walsh went back and forth throughout the second, trading the lead numerous times. Two three-pointers led the Cavaliers on an 8-0 run to retake the lead with just over two minutes left in the first half. The Panther defense locked down right before the break, as steals turned into buckets for Barga and
Shiya Hoosier to hand KWC the 31-29 lead.
A smooth reverse layup from
Shaylee McDonald extended the Wesleyan lead to six early in the half. The Panthers put in work at the charity stripe on their way to a 10-2 run. After outscoring the Cavaliers 21-13 in the quarter, they entered the final period with a ten-point lead.
Sydnee Richetto dropped her defender, then sunk a floater to kick off the fourth quarter. Hoosier's steal and dish to
Corina Conley led the Panthers on another 9-0 run that blew the game wide open. Conley's bucket with 1:20 left remaining gave the Panthers a 69-49 lead.
Barga had a monster game, recording 17 points and 10 rebounds for her seventh double-double of the season.
Emmy Ralph finished with 13 points on 7/10 shooting. Gillies scored 11 and Conley added 10 and 7 boards.
Wesleyan will travel to Columbus, Ohio next Thursday, February 1
st to take on the Panthers of Ohio Dominican.
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