MOUNT PLEASANT, Iowa - The men's basketball team's winning streak was extended to six games on Saturday afternoon when the Panthers captured a 128-125 win at Iowa Wesleyan.
Greenville trailed in the opening five minutes of the game, but they eventually took a lead on a layup by Austyn Contreras. GU managed to push their lead to 18 points before Iowa Wesleyan tightened the game to 60-59 at halftime.
In the second half, the Tigers took an 11 point lead with 17:23 remaining, but the Panthers showed their resilience and regained the lead with about nine minutes to play.
The game was knotted at 118-all when Kodi Badger stepped to the free throw line and knocked down a charity attempt for a one-point lead, but a layup by the Tigers gave them the lead right back.
A layup from Johari Dix gave the Panthers a 121-120 lead, and the Panthers received the benefit of a technical foul called on Iowa Wesleyan with 15 seconds remaining. Dix knocked down a free throw after the technical and was fouled on the ensuing possession. He made two more free throws to push GU's lead to 124-120. Greenville settled for a three point win.
Dix was GU's top scorer with 23 points and added seven assists and five steals. Marvin Bateman posted a 17 point afternoon.
The Panthers (16-6, 13-2 SLIAC) face Eureka on the road on Monday at 7:30 p.m.