by Drew Frey, The Greenville Advocate

The men's basketball team played host to the Webster Gorloks for a conference matchup in which the Panthers showcased a hybrid style of play in a close loss.

Due to COVID complications, Greenville was forced to make some tough decisions in how to attack the game on Saturday.

The Panthers had a total of eight players on the squad today. This was a different look for Coach George Barber's team as they usually have a loaded roster that includes playing time from as many as 18 players.

On Saturday, Greenville decided to come out in a 2-3 zone on defense with no full court press. Although their defense was an unfamiliar look, their offense still consisted of putting up a heavy dose of shots.

The first half of the game consisted of many lead changes between the two foes. Webster eventually pulled away to a 13 point lead to end the half.

The Panthers' leading scorer at the half was Jarred Johnson. Johnson went 7-for-10 from the field including a three pointer in the first.

At halftime, the Panthers' roster depth was being shown as Cam Irvin had three fouls and Kenneth Cooley had two.

With 12 minutes remaining in the game the Panthers' Carlos Crespo hit a two point jump shot to give Greenville their first lead of the second half.

Shortly thereafter, Cooley was whistled for his fifth foul of the game with nine minutes left . With Cooley fouling out the Panthers were left with no big men to contain the strength of Webster's forwards.

A Johnson free throw would bump the lead up to five for the Panthers with 5:30 left in the contest.

After a few minutes of hard fought basketball Webster took the lead with just under three minutes left.

Johnson, Irvin, Crespo, and Romello Ball all finished with double digit points for the Panthers. Johnson led Greenville with 34 points.

With the loss the Panthers fall to 1-12 and 0-2 in conference play. Next week Greenville will travel to Louisville, Ky., to take on Spalding in another conference matchup.