Box Score WILLIMANTIC, Conn. – In its first-ever meeting against a ranked opponent, Penn College men's basketball fell to 23^rd-ranked Wesleyan University, 99-44, in the consolation game of the Eastern Holiday Invitational hosted by Eastern Connecticut State, Tuesday afternoon. The loss dropped the Wildcats to 1-11 after their final nonconference contest of the season, while the Cardinals moved to 9-3 overall.

How it happened: Wesleyan went 5-for-5 to open the game on a 10-5 run. An Octavio Alexander bucket and a three by Landon Reeder tried to slow down the hot start for the Cardinals. Alexander scored eight points in the opening half, including a three with one minute before the break, but the Cardinals shot 63% to lead 59-23 at the half.

Wesleyan continued to hold a 40-point advantage through the second half.

Inside the box: Octavio Alexander led the Wildcats for the second consecutive game with 11 points, while adding five rebounds, two assists and a steal. Josh Shepherd finished with 10 points while Jay Henry Pitched in with eight and Landon Reeder scored eight points.

The Cardinals converted 51% (39-76) of their shots and drained 11 3s. Penn College was limited to  just  24% (14-58) and six 3s.

Up next: Penn College gets back to United East action at Notre Dame (MD) on Saturday, Jan. 3 at 1 p.m.