OWENSBORO – A 14-0 run late in the first half provided the spark needed for the hosts as Kentucky State University fell to Kentucky Wesleyan Saturday, 85-63, in non-conference action at the Owensboro Sports Center.

Kentucky State came out aggressive and effective on both ends of the court as they had the Panthers fighting against the shot clock on multiple possessions. Meanwhile, they were finding the open shooters and punishing the KWC defense.

Senior Kevin Hayes (Detroit, MI) capped a 12-3 spurt with a three-pointer, and the Thorobreds had its biggest lead of the game, nine points, midway through the half. The lead hovered around that high-water mark, and was at nine with 5:48 left following a freshman Josh Wilkerson three-pointer.
Then, the Wesleyan offense took over and the aforementioned run gave the Panthers strength.

The momentum carried over into the second half as the Panthers connected on six of their first seven three-pointers and shot a blistering 66 percent from the floor over the final 20 minutes. For the game, Kentucky Wesleyan managed to shoot 58.9 percent (33-of-56) from the field and 51.6 percent (16-of-31) from beyond the arc.

KSU's deficit grew to as much as 20 before it mounted one final rally.

Back to back three-pointers from Hayes and sophomore Kevin Wharton-Price (Pittsburgh, PA) gave life to the Thorobreds, and before it was all said and done, the lead was down to 10.

Following a KWC timeout, the Panthers responded with a 19-3 run to put the game away.

Hayes finished with a team-high 26 points on 11-of-17 shooting, while senior Ditalion Battle (Cincinnati, OH) added 13 points on 3-of-13 shooting. Senior David Jelks (Conyers, GA) pulled down a team-high eight rebounds.

Kentucky State (0-1) hosts Wilberforce 6 p.m. Tuesday for its home opener at the Exum Center.