FORT WORTH, TX: The 11th ranked Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team (21-6, 11-5 SAC) cruised to an 83-72 win over Wayland Baptist (16-12, 8-8 SAC) on Senior Day at the Sid Richardson Center Saturday afternoon. Five of Texas Wesleyan's six seniors saw action in the game and all five scored in double-figures.
The game was the final regular season home contest for the Rams' six seniors,
Chier Ajou,
Pat Listach,
Dion Rogers,
Naiel Smith,
Trevon Jeffery, and
Najeal Young. Head Coach
Brennen Shingleton's starting lineup featured five seniors, while Ajou was unavailable to play.
The victory avenged one of Texas Wesleyan's six losses. WBU's Maurice Redmond hit a last second three to top the Rams 79-77 earlier this season in Plainview, TX. The Rams also regained sole possession of first place in the Sooner Athletic Conference standings at 11-5.
The Rams were off and running from the opening tip. Texas Wesleyan quickly opened a 13-6 lead after a three from
Ryan Harris while they shot 56% from the field and 46% from long range in the first half.
Najeal Young powered the attack with 13 points and 8 rebounds in the first half. Texas Wesleyan ran the fast break to the tune of a 20-4 advantage on the run and led 45-39 at the intermission.
Texas Wesleyan opened the second half on a 7-0 run and never let the lead slip under double-figures again. The Rams led for just under 33 minutes while the margin swelled to as many as 19-points (67-48).
For the game, the Rams shot 53% from the field and 42% from long range while holding Wayland Baptist to 38% overall and 31% from downtown. The Rams were +6 in the rebound column and led 22-4 in fast break points.
The senior laden starting lineup did all of the heavy lifting. Young finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Trevon Jeffery and
Dion Rogers posted 16 and 15 points respectively.
Pat Listach took advantage of the start and poured in 13 points.
Naiel Smith finished with 10 points, nine assists, and five rebounds.
The Pioneers were led by Maurice Redmond's 21 points. Russell Harrison and Tyler Viskovich came off the bench to contribute 15 and 13 points respectively.
Texas Wesleyan wil return to action on Thursday, when they travel to Siloam Springs, AR, to take on John Brown University. That game is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. start.
Ramblings
-
Pat Listach had hit 6-of-8 free throws and scored 12 points on the season entering tonight's game. On Saturday, he was 9-of-12 at the line and finished with 13 points.
- Wayland Baptist leads the all-time series with Texas Wesleyan 22-20. The Rams are now 37-35 all-time in SAC play. They lead the all-time series with John Brown 5-3.
-
Naiel Smith leads the NAIA with 208 assists and 8.00 assists per game.
- Texas Wesleyan, the defending SAC Regular Season Champions, are one game ahead of Oklahoma City, SAGU, Southwestern Christian, and USAO (all 10-6) in the SAC standings with two games to play.
- The top four teams in the SAC will host a quarterfinal contest in the SAC Tournament on Tuesday, February 28.
