Box Score
BARTLESVILLE, OK:  The Texas Wesleyan University women's basketball team (1-0) took an 82-77 win at eighth ranked (NAIA DII) Oklahoma Wesleyan (1-1) in their season opener on Saturday.
 
The Lady Rams were listed as receiving votes in the NAIA DI Preseason Coaches' Poll, while the Eagles checked in at no. 8 in the DII Poll.
 
Takoia Larry paced the effort with 21 points and eight rebounds, while five Lady Rams reached double figures in scoring.
 
The Eagles drained a pair of threes to start the game, and led by as many as seven at 18-11.  However, the Lady Rams ripped off 12 unanswered points to take control at 23-18, and went on to lead 41-38 at the half.
 
OWU surged ahead 44-41 early in the second half, but Caitlin Boal converted a three-point play to tie the game at 44.  Later, a bucket and free throw from Larry capped a 14-2 run that left Texas Wesleyan with a 69-54 advantage.
 
The Eagles had one more run left in them cutting the margin to two points at 72-70, but the Rams went inside to Boal and Kayla McCray to stretch the lead back to 76-70 on their way to the 82-77 win.
 
"The team showed their maturity and poise at the end of the game to outscore a quality opponent down the stretch," commented head coach Bill Franey.  "This was a true team effort on both ends of the floor."
 
The Lady Rams outshot the Lady Eagles 44.6% - 33.3% from the field.  OWU hit nine three-pointers while the Rams hit just one from beyond the arc.  Texas Wesleyan commanded the boards 45-36.
 
ToiEasha Cooper finished with 17 points and eight boards for the Rams.  Boal added 14 points and seven rebounds.  McCray finished with 10 and nine, and Krissy Parker posted 12 points and seven rebounds.
 
The Lady Rams will return to action on Wednesday, when they host Our Lady of the Lake University in their home opener.  That game is scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. start in the Sid Richardson Center.