FORT WORTH, TX: The Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team (5-0) took a convincing 97-58 win over the University of St. Thomas-Houston (1-3) at the Sid Richardson Center on Saturday.
 
The Celts entered the game averaging an impressive 85.3 points per game, but the Rams stifled the UST attack all night.  For the game the Rams put five players in double-figure scoring while shooting 52.3% from the field and 43.3% from long range.  Conversely, UST had just one player in double-figures while the Celts shot just 34.5% from the field and 19% from distance.
 
The Rams bombed away in the first half, hitting 10-of-21 3-point attempts.  The period featured a 35-minute "rain" delay caused by a leak in the heating system in the Sid Richardson Center.  That was all that could slow down a hot Texas Wesleyan team, as the Rams led by as many as 23 points on their way to a 54-31 advantage at the break.
 
The Rams slowed the pace with the long ball in the second half (3-of-9), but shot 56.7% from the field in the period.  Texas Wesleyan continually pulled away and drew their largest lead at 95-52 (43 points) with 1:23 to play.
 
Sam Akano led the Rams with 23 points and 9 rebounds, while BJ Batts finished with 20.  Jerell Ellis posted 17 points and 7 rebounds, and Dion Rogers racked up 15 points and 7 assists.  Chris Gracela's 10 point, 6 rebound effort gave the Rams five players in double-figure scoring.
 
UST was led by Jason Brancato's 17 points.
 
"We did a great job preparing for this game," commented head coach Brennen Shingleton.  "We started the day right and everybody was focused and locked in.  We had 23 assists which is big time for us.  That alone is an impressive stat.  If we get this one Monday we'll be in a good position."
 
The Rams' 23 assists were more than their field goals allowed (19).  Texas Wesleyan led 44-32 in rebounding, 33-9 in points off of turnovers, 14-2 on the fast break, and 36-22 in the paint.
 
The Rams will return to action on Monday, when they travel to Marshall, TX, to take on Wiley College.  That game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. start.
 
Ramblings

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- The Rams lead the all-time series with St. Thomas-Houston 6-4.  Texas Wesleyan leads Wiley 24-9 all-time.
 
- Through four games, Akano (22.4) and Ellis (20.4) are both averaging over 20 points per game, while Gracela (10.2 points, 11 rebounds) is averaging a double-double.