Box Score

FORT WORTH, TX: The sixth ranked Texas Wesleyan University men’s basketball team (22-2, 15-1 RRAC) took an 89-78 win over Wiley College (12-13, 8-9) at the Sid Richardson Center on Saturday.

 

In the first half, Texas Wesleyan used an 18-6 run to open a 30-20 margin. However, the Wildcats scored the final seven points of the half to cut the deficit to 40-38 at the break.

 

Wiley took a 51-50 lead on a three-pointer from Freddie Haynes early in the second half, but a three-point play from Ty Gough sparked a 7-0 run as the Rams regained control. A 9-1 run later gave Texas Wesleyan a 70-60 lead. That margin swelled to as many as 16 (81-65) as the Rams cruised to the 89-78 win.

 

The Rams shot 61.9% from the field in the second half and outshot the Wildcats 49%-41.4% for the game. Texas Wesleyan also got to the free throw line with frequency. The Rams hit 35-of-41 (85.4%) at the line compared to 16-of-23 (69.6%) for the Wildcats.

 

Texas Wesleyan continued to control the glass, where they held a 42-35 advantage.

 

Brian Wanamaker led four Rams in double-figure scoring with a game-high 25 points along with nine rebounds. Jonathan Blake posted 22 points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Gough notched a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Jeremy Smith finished with 15 points.

 

Alexander Cossey led Wiley with 17 points. Nathaniel Evans added a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards.

 

The Rams will now gear up for a marquee matchup with third ranked LSU-Shreveport. That game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start in the Sid Richardson Center on Monday. The Pilots will enter the game with a 23-1 overall record and a 13-1 mark in conference play. The winner of Monday’s showdown will have a decided edge in the race for the RRAC Regular Season Crown which brings with it an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament. The two teams met in January with LSUS defending its home court with a 74-68 win.