Bowling Green, Ky. – The Kentucky Wesleyan men's basketball team fell in their exhibition matchup against Western Kentucky Wednesday night inside E.A. Diddle Arena.

In front of an estimated crowd of 1171, the Panthers fought valiantly in the first half. After a three-pointer by JJ Faulkner and a jumper by LaVonte Harris, Wesleyan trailed just 24-20 with under seven minutes to play in the half.

The Hilltoppers closed on a 12-4 run to lead 36-24 at the break. Fatih Huyuk tallied four points and four rebounds in the opening 20 minutes.

Western Kentucky began the second half on a 14-2 run to take full control of the game. Harris closed the contest strongly, hitting back-to-back threes to finish with eight points.

Jorge Sanchez-Ramos logged nine points, two assists, and a rebound in his Panthers debut. Huyuk totaled six points and seven rebounds in his return from his season-ending injury last year.

The Panthers have some time before opening the regular season on November 14 against Indianapolis inside the Owensboro Sportscenter as part of the Midwest Region Crossover. Tipoff is set for 6:00 PM and the game will be streamed live on FloCollege.

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