GREENVILLE, Ill. -- The men's basketball team saw their hopes for their first appearance in the NCAA national tournament dashed as Westminster picked up a 128-121 win on Saturday night in the championship game of the SLIAC tournament.  Elmo Smith and Shane Smith, members of the All-Tournament team, were Greenville's top scorers.

Elmo had 29 points to lead Greenville's scorers, and Shane had 21 points.

The Panthers fell behind in the early going, but they eventually took a lead in the first half.  Westminster hit two late free throws to enter halftime tied 64-64.

In the second half, Greenville's lead reached eight, but Westminster took a lead with six minutes to go.  Greenville was unable to regain the advantage.

Elmo Smith added seven rebounds, and Johari Dix had four assists.

Greenville pulled away 21 steals, led by Stevonte Young, Ethan Leib, Dix, Kenny Greene, and Michael Hohm with three apiece.

The Panthers shot under 30 percent behind the three-point line as they made 15-of-52 three-pointers for a 28.8 percent clip.  The Panthers shot less than 30 percent behind the three-point arc in five of their six losses this season.

The Panthers (21-6) were SLIAC regular season league champions for the third time and played in the SLIAC tournament championship game for the second time.