Jordan Janssen and Nate Mohr each scored 22 points as Wayne State College held off York College 76-68 in a non-conference men's basketball game Monday evening at Rice Auditorium in Wayne. The Wildcats move to 2-1 while the game was an exhibition contest for the 2-3 Panthers.
The 'Cats took an early 12-5 lead on York, but could not shake the Panthers who stayed within range of the Wildcats most of the game.
WSC was in front 14-8 when the Panthers scored seven straight points to take their first lead of the game at 15-14 at the 10:49 mark.
The two teams traded 10 lead changes with four ties in the first half and the 'Cats used a pair of Jordan Janssen dunks to end the first half to take a 34-31 lead at intermission.
York battled the 'Cats early in the second half and trailed by only two at 41-39 when WSC went on an 11-2 run to take their biggest lead of the night at 52-41 following a Sean Stokes layup with 12:49 remaining.
The Panthers had one more run for the Wildcats, getting within three at 68-65 with 1:43 to play.
Wayne State then made 8 of 10 free throws in the final 1:07 to seal the 76-68 victory.
The Wildcats made 28 of 62 shots from the field for 45 percent, but was just 5 of 22 behind the arc, while making 15 of 21 free throws.
Janssen and Mohr both scored 22 points for the 'Cats. Janssen was 10 of 18 from the field while Mohr was 6 of 13 and 4 for 11 from 3-point range while canning 6 of 8 free throws.
York College shot 40.9 percent making 27 of 66 shots and 4 of 18 from the 3-point line. The Panthers were 10 for 14 at the line.
WSC won the rebounding battle 40-36 thanks to nine boards from Janssen. Janssen also had two blocks and a team-high four assists.
Wayne State had one more turnover than York 15-14 with York holding a 21-10 edge in points off turnovers.
The Wildcats will be on the road Saturday for a non-conference matchup at in-state rival Nebraska-Kearney with tip off set for 2 p.m.
