FORT MEYERS, FL: The Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team (3-0) took on NCAA DI Florida Gulf Coast University (1-1) in an 85-62 exhibition loss at Alico Arena on Monday.
 
The Rams matched the Eagles bucket for bucket to start the contest, as Sam Akano hit a triple to tie the game at 5-5. Doug Compton followed that by draining a shot from downtown to give the Rams a 10-7 lead with 16 minutes left. Jerell Ellis put two in to hold on to a 13-11 lead, but the Eagles took a 16-0 run and outscored the Rams 21-3 over a 6:44 period to take a 34-16 lead. Chris Gracela hit Akano for another three-pointer, but FGCU went into the half with a 42-30 advantage.
 
Florida Gulf Coast kept the pressure on and slowly built a sizeable lead throughout the second half. TWU went on a 9-0 rally capped by an Ellis layup with two minutes left, but the Eagles ran out the clock to end things at 85-62.
 
The Rams shot 34 percent from the field, while the Eagles shot 48 percent. The rebound battle was 50-42 in favor of Florida Gulf Coast. The game was tied five times, while the lead changes four times.
 
Trevon Jeffery and BJ Batts both posted 15 points and went 6-10 from the field. Akano posted a double-double behind 11 points and 11 rebounds. Jerell Ellis tacked on 10 points.
 
The Rams will be home to take on Texas College this Thursday, November 19 starting at 7:00 pm at the Sid Richardson Center.