FORT WORTH, TX:  The 11th ranked Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team (20-6, 10-5 SAC) remained atop the Sooner Athletic Conference standings with an 86-76 win over St. Gregory's University (9-13, 5-10 SAC) on Thursday.
 
The Rams struggled in the first half as SGU shot 54% from the field while holding Texas Wesleyan to just 36%.  In the period, the contest saw six tie scores including a 37-37 ledger at the break.
 
Texas Wesleyan turned the tables in the second half.  The Rams clamped down defensively and allowed the Cavs to shoot just 35% while picking up the offensive efficiency to a 48% clip.
 
The Rams began to pull away near the midway point of the second half.  Three's from Dion Rogers and Peyton Prudhomme as well as a nifty layup in the lane from Rogers highlighted a 14-2 run that left Texas Wesleyan with a 55-46 advantage.


 
The Cavaliers showed some grit, working the game all the way back to a tie at 58-58 and then taking a 60-59 lead when a pair of free throws from Kilder Gonzalez capped off an 11-1 run.
 
Again, the Rams had an answer.  A three from Ryan Harris gave Texas Wesleyan some breathing room at 66-61 with 6:38 to play.  The margin quickly swelled to double-figures at 73-63.  Texas Wesleyan led by as many as 13 (81-68) on the way to the 86-76 victory.
  For the game, SGU outshot the Rams 44%-41% from the field.  Both teams hit nine 3-pointers.  Texas Wesleyan was +10 in the rebound column and led 13-6 in second chance points.
 
Dion Rogers led Texas Wesleyan with 21 points, while Najeal Young added 20 points and nine rebounds.  Ryan Harris got the start and went for 18 points.  Naiel Smith logged 10 points, seven rebounds, and six assists.  Trevon Jeffery Finished with nine points and 11 rebounds.
 
SGU's Rodney Smith led all scorers with 24 points.  Gonzalez finished with a double-double on 17 points and 11 rebounds.
 
The Rams will play their final regular season home game on Saturday when they host Wayland Baptist University.  That game's 3:00 p.m. tip-off will be preceded by a Senior Day presentation.
 
Ramblings

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- The win gives Texas Wesleyan a second straight 20+ win season and the third such season in five years under the direction of Head Coach Brennen Shingleton.
 
- The Rams lead the all-time series with St. Gregory's 9-4.  They are now 36-35 all-time in SAC play.  Wayland Baptist leads the all-time series 22-19.
 
- Dion Rogers is averaging exactly 20 points per game with 500 points in 25 games.
 
- Naiel Smith leads the NAIA with 199 assists and 7.96 assists per game.
 
- The Rams are tied for first place in the SAC standings with No. 21 Southwestern Assemblies of God University at 10-5.  SAGU defeated Wayland Baptist on Thursday, while No. 19 Oklahoma City fell out of what had been a three way tie after dropping a contest to the University of Science & Arts (OK).