OKLAHOMA CITY, OK: The Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team (14-7, 3-7 SAC) lost a 98-81 battle with Oklahoma City University (10-6, 6-4 SAC) at the Abe Lemons Arena on Saturday.
 
Jerrell Ellis scored seven points capped by a shot from downtown to help the Rams to a 7-3 start over the Stars. The good start helped Wesleyan hold a slight edge in an offensive showcase. OCU ran off a 7-0 rally to take a 20-18 lead before the Rams took time to talk things over. The Stars showed their perimeter prowess in the first half knocking down seven three pointers, four on consecutive offensive possessions.
 
Oklahoma City enjoyed a 35-27 cushion, but Ellis continued to be a force by laying in a shot to give him 17 first half points. He cut the lead to 35-32 with nine minutes left in the half. The Stars pushed the lead back out to a 43-35 lead with another triple by Evan White.
 
OCU extended the lead to 12 before Wesleyan went on a 6-0 run capped by a pair of Ellis free throws to make it a 50-44 deficit. Another OCU swish from beyond the arc stopped the Wesleyan charge, and the Stars took a 54-44 advantage into the break.
 
The Stars pushed the lead to a 15-point, 65-50 lead to start the second half, but a Chris Gracela three pointer from Merv Lindsay sparked a 9-2 run capped by a triple by Ellis from Doug Compton to make it a 70-62 game with 13:08 left in regulation.
 
Oklahoma City pushed the lead back out again to 13, but again the Rams showed some resolve with an 8-0 burst capped by a Lindsay layup and cutting the lead to 77-75 with 9:03 left in the game. The Stars again stopped the Wesleyan momentum and were unfazed by the Ram run. OCU controlled the rest of the contest, playing the game out to a 98-81 finish.
 
The game was close throughout despite only three lead changes and one tie. The Stars shot the lights out from the field behind 62 percent. Wesleyan shot 47 percent from the field. OCU went 13-28 for 46 percent from behind the arc.
 
Ellis led all players with 29 points effort. Lindsay posted 17 points and seven boards for the Rams. Gracela had 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists in the game.
 
The Rams will host 9th ranked Wayland Baptist University on Thursday, February 5. The contest is set for an 8:00 pm start at the Sid Richardson Center.