FINDLAY, Ohio – The Kentucky Wesleyan men's basketball team (4-4, 0-2 G-MAC) came up just short against the Findlay Oilers Saturday afternoon, ultimately falling 82-79.
Wesleyan started fast and built an early 24-14 lead, highlighted by 13 points and three three-pointers from LaVonte Harris.
Findlay, who received votes in the latest NABC Coaches Poll, had the perfect response. The Oilers reeled off a 15-1 run to grab a 29-25 advantage with just under seven minutes left in the first half.
The rest of the half was neck-and-neck, resulting in the Panthers trailing by just one at 43-42 after Caleb Mackrey hit a three-pointer at the buzzer.
The Oilers (7-1, 2-0 G-MAC) maintained the lead for the majority of the second half, but the Panthers were able to stay in striking distance. Down 70-59 with just over ten minutes to play, Wesleyan finally made their move.
The Panthers scored the next 13 points in the game, headlined by two layups from Armandas Plintauskas and a slam by Ke'Andre Jones, to take a 72-70 advantage with under four minutes to go.
The scoring came at a premium in the final minutes, but the Oilers were able to use their defense to grind their way to a 75-72 advantage. Jorge Sanchez-Ramos recorded an and-one and a three-pointer to put the pressure on in the waning seconds, but Findlay hit all their clutch free throws to put the game away.
Harris continued his torrid start to the year with 19 points, five rebounds, and two blocked shots while making five of his six threes. Sanchez-Ramos came in right behind him with 17 points, seven assists, and two steals.
Plintauskas and Fatih Huyuk each added 11 points on the afternoon.
The Panthers next head home for a battle versus Ashland on Thursday, December 11. Tipoff is set for 7:45 PM inside the Owensboro Sportscenter.
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