OLATHE, KS: The Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team (2-0) took a 100-95 overtime win at No. 21 MidAmerica Nazarene University (1-1) on Friday. Three players posted 25+ points as the Rams cracked the century mark for the first time in just their second game of the year.
In a game that saw 10 ties and 18 lead changes, the Rams ran out to the largest lead of the contest at 41-32. The Pioneers chipped away and got within a point at 44-43 before Texas Wesleyan took a 46-43 advantage to the break.
The Rams stretched out a 76-69 lead midway through the second half, but the home team battled all the way back to take a 79-78 lead with a bucket from Jonas Page. Freshman
Shaun Rost had an answering bucket on the Rams' next possession, and the Rams continued to lead 86-83 entering the game's final minute.
With 24 seconds to play, Nick Syrie scored on a fast break and was fouled. Syrie completed the conventional three-point play and the game was deadlocked at 86-86 through 40 minutes.
With MNU leading 91-90,
Sam Akano came up with a steal and a three-point play to put the Rams in front for good. On the Pioneer's next possession,
BJ Batts stole the ball and scored to push the score to 95-91.
MidAmerica cut the score to 96-95 with 28 seconds to play, but Batts went 4-for-4 at the free throw line in the final seconds to seal the 100-95 win.
Batts (27 points),
Jerell Ellis (26 points), and Akano (25 points) handled the bulk of the offense for Texas Wesleyan.
Chris Gracela crashed the boards for the second straight game to the tune of 16 rebounds.
Trevon Jeffery nearly notched a double-double with 8 points and 9 rebounds.
Syrie led all scorers with 30 points. Jordan Whelan added 20 points for MNU.
For the game, MNU outshot Texas Wesleyan 47% - 41% from the field. However, the Rams dominated the boards 58-39 and continued a long-range barrage. The Rams were 9-of-26 from beyond the arc, while the Pioneers were just 1-of-14. Texas Wesleyan also outshot MNU 74% - 69% at the free throw line.
The Rams will return to action on Thursday, when they host Paul Quinn College in their home opener. That game is scheduled for a 7:30 pm start in the Sid Richardson Center.
Ramblings
- The Rams reached triple-digits in scoring three times last season.
- The Rams are now 2-0 all-time against MidAmerica Nazarene. They lead the all-time series with Paul Quinn 24-7.
- Two games into the season, Ellis (23.5), Akano (22.5), and Batts (21.0) are all averaging over 20 points per game.
