Assistant coach Kevin Gant remembers the rivalry the men’s basketball team has with Kentucky Wesleyan College from when he was a player.

Gant said the rivalry between “two historic teams” is something everyone cherishes.

“This win mean’s a whole lot,” he said.

The men’s basketball team rounded out the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic with a 85-81 win over KWC.

The men’s team was led by senior Jeril Taylor who ended the game with 31 points and four rebounds. His play was followed by sophomore Alex Stein who ended the game with 22 points and five assists.

“Jeril has been unbelievable,” Gant said. “He’s really let the game slow down for him.”

Stein said Taylor is the best scorer he’s every played with.

“He is a heck of a player,” Stein said. “It’s incredible what he can do with the ball in his hands.”

The Eagles kept a lead most of the game, but toward the end of the second half the Panthers were able to come within four points and cause some disorganization for the men’s team.

Gant said the team was playing like it was ahead instead of playing like it needed a basket.

“Toward the end, you could feel how important this game was,” he said. “It was a NCAA feel and you could see it on both sides.”

The men’s team will hit the court next Dec. 1 when it faces McKendree University.