UMSL Effort Falls Short against Panthers

Kentucky Wesleyan Beats Rivermen 76-51

Owensboro, Ky . – The UMSL Rivermen put up a valiant effort, but in the end it came up short against the eighth-ranked team in the country, as UMSL fell 76-51 at Kentucky Wesleyan.

UMSL had the early lead, jumping out to an 11-4 lead in the first seven minutes of the game. Kentucky Wesleyan came back at that point with a 10-2 run to give the Panthers a 13-13 lead at the 8:20 mark. The Rivermen got a three-point play from Ronnie Banks to retake the lead at 16-14, but KWC responded with a 6-1 run to lead by five points. The Rivermen got back to within one point with 1:25 left in the half before KWC went into halftime with a 30-27 lead.

Kentucky Wesleyan came out in the second half and opened with an 8-0 run, sparked by two three pointers from Bobby Zuerner to push their lead out to 11 points at 38-27. UMSL would get back to within seven points after a long three pointer by Ronnie Banks made it 47-40, but that was as close as UMSL would get the rest of the game as KWC went on for the 76-51 win.

UMSL was led by Ronnie Banks with 19 points and Justin Foust with 10 points off the bench. Kentucky Wesleyan had five players in double figures, led by Damon Garris with 15 points and Marlon Parmer with 14 points and seven assists.

The Rivermen are now 5-8 on the season and 2-6 in the GLVC. UMSL will be at home next weekend with home games against Northern Kentucky on Thursday night, and then host Indianapolis on Saturday afternoon.