FORT WORTH, TX: The Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team (14-5, 3-5 SAC) took an 82-77 Sooner Athletic Conference win over the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma (4-11, 3-5 SAC) at the Sid Richardson Center on Saturday.
During the game, the Rams collected donations to Coaches vs. Cancer as part of Suits & Sneakers week, a nationwide effort in college basketball. The Rams raised $207 to support Coaches vs. Cancer and the American Cancer Society's drive to increase cancer awareness and promote healthy living among students, faculty, staff, fans, and the community at large.
USAO came into the game hot, having won three out of four including a decisive 92-74 win over 8th ranked Oklahoma Baptist. The game was hard fought as it rolled through 12 ties and 10 lead changes (all in the first half); however, the Rams held the lead for 33:29 while USAO was on top for only 2:48.
Neither team led by more than four points in the first half. The contest reached its 12th and final tie at 40 after a bucket from USAO's Charles Markens. Markens added a free throw to put the Drovers on top with 35 seconds to play.
Sam Akano scored with eight seconds to go.
Jerrell Ellis then stole the ball, Lindsay beat the buzzer with a layup, and the Rams led 44-41 at the break.
The Rams got some breathing room with a 9-2 run to start the second half. The Drovers whittled the margin back down to two at 62-60 after a three from Jerry Coriolan. Akano then threw in seven points in a 9-0 run that gave the Rams the largest lead of the game at 71-60.
With 4:56 to play, it appeared
Demarcus Richardson had drawn a charge, but the call was reversed and Chapman hit one-of-two free throws to cut the score to 71-65. The lead dwindled down to three points at 77-74 with 1:29 to play and held at 80-77 with 13 seconds to play. With seven seconds to play, the Drovers fouled Richardson, and the junior guard knocked down two free throws to ice the game at 82-77.
For the game, the Rams outshot the Drovers 46%-41% from the field and 36%-25% from distance. The Rams also shot an improved 65% (13-20) at the free throw line. Both teams turned the ball over eight times, and the Drovers held a slight 46-41 rebounding advantage.
The trio of Akano, Ellis, and
Merv Lindsay remained hot offensively for the Rams. Akano led all scorers with 26 points to go with seven rebounds. Ellis finished with 23 points, and Lindsay 16.
Chris Gracela also contributed nine points and 5 assists.
The Drovers were led by Coriolan's 20 points. Ed'Lexus Collier added 16 and Chapman 14. Markens posted nine points and 14 assists.
The Rams will return to action on Thursday, when they travel to Waxahachie, TX, to take on Southwestern Assemblies of God University. That game is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. start.
Ramblings
- The Rams are 11-17 all-time in SAC play and 6-4 against USAO.
- The Rams lead the all-time series with SAGU 23-7; however, the Lions have won each of the last five meetings.
- Akano and Ellis have combined to average 50.75 points in the last four games.
