Box Score
SHAWNEE, OK:  In their final exam of the fall semester, the Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team (6-5, 0-2 SAC) suffered a 97-93 loss at 19th ranked St. Gregory's University (9-1, 1-1 SAC) on Saturday.
 
The first half saw the score change hands seven times.  The Rams hit eight three-pointers in the period and held a six-point edge, 44-38, after a field goal from Jervon Hooks with 1:30 to play.  In the final 90 seconds, SGU's Marty Wilkerson scored six unanswered points to knot the game at 44.
 
The back-and-forth affair continued in the second half as the lead changed hands seven more times in the first 11 minutes.  A three from Deonte Jones put Texas Wesleyan up 66-65.  Rilwan Bakare followed with a bucket inside, but SGU went on an 8-0 run to gain control at 73-68.
 
SGU went ahead 90-84 entering the final minute.  Texas Wesleyan scored nine points in that last minute and cut the deficit to three-points four times.  Unfortunately the Rams could not get the necessary stops to complete the comeback and the Cavaliers came away with the 97-93 win.
 
For the game, the Cavaliers outshot the Rams 54%-49% and led 42-37 in rebounds.  SGU also benefited from 29 personal foul calls against Texas Wesleyan.  The Cavs made 27-of-38 free throws, while the Rams got to the line for only nine points on 15 attempts.  The Rams forced 16 turnovers while committing 14 themselves.
 
"We are going through some growing pains, but I am proud of our ability to stay together," said head coach Brennen Shingleton.  "We obviously know what we need to work on, and we will do that.  I love our guys, and we will be pushing hard in the second semester to get better.  It is tough to win on the road when you shoot 15 free throws to their 38."
 
Four Rams reached double-figures in scoring.  Bakare continued to dominate inside with a team-high 25 points and nine rebounds.  Jorge Redmon finished with 24 points.  Dallas Jones added 18 points and eight rebounds.  Deonte Jones finished with 11 points, and Kenny Rhymes turned in eight points and nine rebounds.
 
Wilkerson led the Cavs with 31 points.  Josiah Campbell added 16 points and 13 rebounds.
 
The Rams will return to action on Saturday, January 4, when they host 7th ranked John Brown University.  That game is scheduled for a 5:00 p.m. start in the Sid Richardson Center.