COLLEGE STATION, TX: The Texas Wesleyan University women's basketball team tipped-off the 2015-16 season with an exhibition contest at 16th ranked Texas A&M University on Sunday. The Aggies rode a big first half lead to 92-40 win.
Squaring off with the 2011 NCAA Division I Champions and a program that is one of only nine to advance to the NCAA Tournament in each of the last ten seasons, the Rams were up against monumental odds. The Lady Rams feature only two players standing 6-feet tall and only three seniors. By contrast, the Aggies roll out five 6-footers (two over 6'5") and five seniors.
The game afforded fans the opportunity to get a look at the new rule changes adopted by the NCAA and shared by the NAIA. Women's basketball games will now feature four 10-minute quarters rather than two 20-minute halves. Teams will shoot two free throws after the 5th foul of each quarter. In addition teams begin the game with four timeouts instead of the traditional six and they may only carry three timeouts into the second half. In the final minute of regulation and in overtime a team may call a timeout to advance the ball to midcourt.
The rule changes made a noticeable impact as the two teams combined for only two trips to the free throw line in the first half and only one due to the bonus.
The Aggies flexed their considerable muscle in the first half as they took a 44-10 advantage to the locker room. However, the Rams came out with renewed energy in the second half. The third quarter score was 19-13 before A&M closed with a 6-3 run, and the second half total was a respectable 48-30.
After shooting just 16% in the first half, the Rams settled down and hit at a 32% clip in the second. The Rams also held their own on the boards against a much taller opponent. A&M led just 42-35 on the boards.
"The team adjusted at halftime and showed that they could play at a high level," commented head coach
Bill Franey. "The inside game, in particular the rebounding, was really impressive. Especially considering the height differential in the game."
Texas Wesleyan pulled down 17 offensive rebounds which allowed them to play even with the Aggies (18-18) in second chance points.
Onyesonam Nolisa grabbed 10 of those offensive boards. She and returning NAIA All-American
Katelynn Threats both turned in double-doubles. Nolisa finished with a team-high 16 points and 13 rebounds, while Threats added 12 points and 11 boards.
Texas A&M spread the ball around putting five players in double-figure scoring. Courtney Williams led all scorers with 17 points.
The Rams will play their first regular season game at LSU-Shreveport on Tuesday. That game is scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. start.
Ramblings
- The Lady Rams were the first team listed as receiving votes in the NAIA Preseason Coaches' Poll. They were picked to finish 3rd in the SAC.
- Texas A&M was ranked 16th in the latest USA Today Sports Coaches' Poll. They were picked 4th in the SEC Preseason Poll.
