OWENSBORO, Ky. - Despite a game-high 26 points from Justin Ward, sixth-ranked Kentucky Wesleyan defeated Southern Illinois University Edwardsville 88-70 in men's college basketball Saturday afternoon.
       Ward enjoyed his best shooting performance as a Cougar, hitting 11 of 15 from the field and 4 of 4 from the free throw line. Ron Jones continued to show why he is among the nation's best three-point shooters with six more and a 23-point effort.
       SIUE's loss takes them to 7-12 overall and 3-9 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. Kentucky Wesleyan continued its quest to win a sixth consecutive GLVC title and improved to 17-2, 10-2 in the GLVC.
       The Cougars fell behind 44-29 at halftime unable to control the boards. Kentucky Wesleyan had 20 offensive rebounds and outscored SIUE 23-4 in second-chance points.
       SIUE made a run with seven minutes to go in the game as Jone connected on three straight three-pointers to cut the Panthers' lead to 72-68 with 5:16 to play. Kentucky Wesleyan then pulled away with a 16-0 run of its own before allowing Ward to break the run with a jumper with 28 seconds left.
       The Cougars now return home to the Vadalabene Center for a 7:30 p.m. game against first-place Northern Kentucky.
              -siue cougars-