FORT WORTH, TX: The Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team (8-0) remained unbeaten with a 73-61 win over Dillard University (2-10) at the Texas Wesleyan Classic on Saturday.
Oklahoma Baptist (8-1) opened the day's action with a 102-62 win over Texas College (3-6).
Merv Lindsay started the game with a three pointer and
Sam Akano dropped in seven points as the Rams ran out to a quick 16-5 lead. The margin swelled to as many as 21 (31-10), but the Bleu Devils closed the half on a 13-2 run to get back in the game at 36-26.
Dillard's momentum carried over into the start of the second half. A layup from Houston Chatman brought the score to 41-37. A three from
Teyvon Lundy then sparked a 10-2 run to give the Rams some breathing room at 53-41. Dillard made one more push to close within five, but the Rams had the answer and won going away 73-61.
For the game, the Rams outshot the Bleu Devils 49%-38% from the floor and led 35-31 in rebounding. Texas Wesleyan also led 30-20 in points in the paint, 19-12 in points off of turnovers, 12-7 on the fast break, and 28-8 in bench scoring.
Akano led four Rams in double-figure scoring with 16 points. Lindsay, Lundy, and
Jerrell Ellis each scored 12.
Four Dillard starters reached double-figures, paced by a double-double 14 point, 10 rebound effort from Patrick Thompson.
The Rams will open Sooner Athletic Conference Play on Thursday, when they host Oklahoma City University. That game is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. start in the Sid Richardson Center.
Ramblings
- Texas Wesleyan's best start to a season came in 1940-41 at 19-0. 8-0 is the team's best start since going 11-0 in 2010-11.
- The Rams are 4-1 all-time vs. Dillard and 9-9 against Oklahoma City.
