Photo: KWC Athletics

OWENSBORO, KY — Kentucky Wesleyan opened its 2026-27 men’s basketball season with an 86-63 victory over Missouri-St. Louis on Monday night at the Owensboro Sportscenter, using a decisive second-half surge to turn a tight game into a convincing opening-night win.

The Panthers (1-0) faced their biggest challenge midway through the second half when Missouri-St. Louis erased the halftime deficit and grabbed a 51-48 lead with just over 10 minutes remaining. What followed was the defining stretch of the night for KWC.

Ke’Andre Jones answered with a three-point play, finishing a layup and converting the free throw to tie the game at 51. Jorge Sanchez-Ramos followed with another three-point play to put the Panthers back in front, and the momentum continued to swing in Kentucky Wesleyan’s favor.

Fallou Gueye made the next major impact, stealing the ball and finishing with a dunk to extend the lead to 56-51. He added two free throws moments later, and Terrence Burri capped the run with a dunk off a Logan McIntire assist as the Panthers pushed their advantage to 62-54.

The response changed the game.

Kentucky Wesleyan continued to build separation, shooting an impressive 72% from the field in the second half. The Panthers connected on 18 of 25 attempts after halftime, including six 3-pointers, while limiting the Tritons to 35 second-half points.

McIntire helped put the game out of reach with a pair of 3-pointers during a stretch that pushed the advantage to 77-59. Gueye added another from beyond the arc as Kentucky Wesleyan continued to capitalize on its offensive opportunities.

McIntire and Jones finished with 20 points apiece to lead the Panthers.

McIntire delivered one of the night’s most impressive shooting performances, going 7-for-10 from the floor and 6-for-9 from 3-point range. His six 3-pointers accounted for half of Kentucky Wesleyan’s 12 makes from beyond the arc.

Jones was equally productive, shooting 7-for-12 while adding seven rebounds, two assists, a block and a steal.

Sanchez-Ramos contributed 14 points and a game-high five assists, providing another important presence in the Panthers’ backcourt. Gueye and Burri added 13 points apiece. Gueye also recorded four assists, four rebounds and three steals, while Burri finished with five rebounds, two assists and two blocks.

Kentucky Wesleyan’s offensive efficiency stood out throughout the night. The Panthers shot 61.4% overall, including 60% from 3-point range, and finished with 17 assists on 27 made field goals. They also controlled the glass, outrebounding Missouri-St. Louis 31-22.

Missouri-St. Louis was led by Miles Boland, who scored 15 points, while Rashad Smith added 11.

The season-opening victory gives Kentucky Wesleyan an early boost as it prepares for its next challenge away from Owensboro.

The Panthers will travel to Lebanon, Illinois, for the GLVC-G-MAC Challenge, hosted by McKendree University, November 13-14. Kentucky Wesleyan opens the event against Lewis on Friday at 5:30 p.m. CT.

SNAPSHOT

KENTUCKY WESLEYAN COLLEGE
FINAL: Kentucky Wesleyan 86, Missouri-St. Louis 63
RECORD: 1-0

KEY PERFORMANCES:
Ke’Andre Jones: 20 points, 7 rebounds
Logan McIntire: 20 points, 6 three-pointers
Jorge Sanchez-Ramos: 14 points, 5 assists
Fallou Gueye: 13 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals
Terrence Burri: 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks

NEXT UP: vs. Lewis — Friday, November 13, 5:30 p.m. CT

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-ST. LOUIS
FINAL: Missouri-St. Louis 63, Kentucky Wesleyan 86
RECORD: 0-1

KEY PERFORMANCES:
Miles Boland: 15 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds
Rashad Smith: 11 points
Jake Hamilton: 10 points