YORK - York was unable to outlast the Coyotes in a back-and-forth match in the opening game of the KCAC season falling 63-70. York struggled offensively all night but a strong defensive effort kept them in the game against the undefeated Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes. The strong pressure kept the game close as York forced the Coyotes to just under 40% shooting on the night. 

York jumped out to a 4-0 lead but the Coyotes tied the game two possessions later and it was a back-and-forth game the final 38 minutes. The Coyotes led by as many as eight in the first half and held a 35-30 lead. In the second half, the Panthers gained some momentum and led the game by eight with just under 11 minutes remaining in the game. However, a cold spell allowed the Coyotes to weather the storm and creep back into the game. A one-possession game in the final minute of play had the Panthers with a chance, but the offense couldn't come through and the Panthers were forced to foul. Kansas Wesleyan made their free throws and secured the seven-point win.

Key Statistics
York's offensive woes last the entire 40 minutes as they shot just 36% from the floor. A usually strong threat from the outside saw the Panthers convert just 2-of-20 from beyond the arc. Kansas Wesleyan shot 28 free throws while the Panthers saw the charity stripe 13 times.

By The Numbers
York's usual leading scorers of Erik Talton and Keyaun Hoskin shot a combined 6-for-24, including 0-7 from beyond the arc. Isaiah King was strong off the bench for the Panthers scoring nine points. Webster Simeus and Brent Clark were the offensive highlights for the Panthers scoring 15 and 13, respectively. The Coyotes Jun Murdock scored a game-high 25 points as the Panthers struggled to contain him.

Panther Leaders

Points: Webster Simeus (15)

Rebounds: Keyaun Hoskin (10)

Assists: Brent Clark (3)

Steals: Brent Clark (4)

York travels to Kansas City, Mo. on Saturday for another tough game against Avila University. The game is scheduled for a 3:00 p.m. tip-off.