FORT WORTH, TX: It was all treats and no tricks in the Sid Richardson Center Monday night, as the 20th ranked Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team (1-0) ran away with a 101-79 win over Dallas Christian College (0-3) in their season opener.
Dion Rogers gave the Rams the advantage early as he posted a double-double in the first half alone. Rogers was 5-for-7 from the field while posting 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in the period.
The Rams led by as many as 11 in the first half (40-29), but DCC's Trey Lindsey dropped in three triples in the final 3:30 for nine of his 21 first-half points. Lindsey's effort kept the Crusaders in striking distance, 45-40, at the intermission.
The Rams proved to be too much to handle in the second half though. Texas Wesleyan began the period on a 12-2 run and never looked back. The lead swelled to as many as 23 points after a three from Rogers pushed the score to 89-66, and the Rams cruised to the 101-79 victory.
Rogers finished with 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. He was one of six Rams to reach double-figures in scoring and one of three to post a double-double.
Trevon Jeffery notched a game-high 21 points while pulling down 11 rebounds.
Najeal Young finished with 13 points and 13 boards.
Jeremy Crane scored 17 points while hitting 3-of-6 long range shots.
Naiel Smith added 15 points and 8 assists, and
Ryan Harris finished with 12 points.
Lindsey was held to just 8 points in the second half and finished with 29 points and 12 rebounds in a losing effort for Dallas Christian.
The Rams dominated the glass, outrebounding the Crusaders 63-28 and racking up a 26-4 advantage in second chance points. Texas Wesleyan also led 52-22 in points in the paint, and 21-5 in fast break points.
For the game, the Rams shot 46% from the field while DCC finished at 40%.
The Rams will return to action on Thursday, when they host Southwestern Adventist University. That game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start in the Sid Richardson Center. Mark Warde and Cam Irvine can be heard on the call at ramsports.net/LIVE.
Ramblings
- The Rams are now 7-0 all-time against Dallas Christian.
- Texas Wesleyan has won seven consecutive season openers including five in a row under head coach
Brennen Shingleton.
