NASHVILLE, TN - A 22-2 deficit to open the game was too much for the Panthers to overcome on Thursday night, as they fell 88-70 at Trevecca Nazarene. 

Trevecca Nazarene improves to 15-7 (11-4 G-MAC), while Wesleyan drops to 16-5 (11-4 G-MAC). With Ashland holding a commanding lead (15-0) in the conference standings, there is a fight for second over the final few games of the year. With five games remaining, Wesleyan, Trevecca, and Northwood sit in a three-way tie for second, with Thomas More just behind at 11-5. 

The Trojans couldn't have started out much hotter, as they jumped out to a 14-0 lead before Jordan Gillies stop the bleeding with a fast break layup three and a half minutes in the game. Trevecca Nazarene extended their lead to 20 before Wesleyan chipped away. Shiya Hoosier and Emmy Ralph hit two late threes to make it a 29-16 Trevecca lead after one. 

The Panthers came back a bit in the second quarter, outscoring the home side 23-19 in the frame. Jordyn Barga opened the quarter up with a big three from the top of the key, and Ralph hit one two minutes later to cut the lead back to single-digits (31-22). The Trojans extended their advantage back to 16 a few minutes later, but Sydnee Richetto hit multiple jumpers to keep the game from getting out of hand. A late three by Gillies helped make it a single-digit (48-39) TNU lead at the break. 

Shaylee McDonald opened the second half with a bang, knocking in a three to make it just a six-point game. The home side answered, going on a 12-2 run to push their lead back to 16. After buckets from Richetto and Barga, Trevecca scored the final 10 points of the quarter to go up 71-49 after three. 

Kentucky Wesleyan never got closer than 18 points in the fourth quarter as Trevecca cruised to the 88-70 victory. 

Wesleyan shot 26-65 (40%) from the field and 12-29 (41.4%) from three. Trevecca Nazarene went 33-63 (52.4%) from the field and 4-12 (33.3%) from three. The Trojans used their size to their advantage, winning the points-in-the-paint battle 50-24. 

Four Panthers scored in double figures, with Sydnee Richetto leading the way with 15. Jordyn Barga (14), Jordan Gillies (13), and Shiya Hoosier (12) weren't far behind. Barga led with eight rebounds, while her and Emmy Ralph each dished out three assists. 

The Panthers will host Thomas More on Saturday at the Sportscenter. Tipoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. CT. 

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