FORT WORTH, TX: The Texas Wesleyan University women's basketball team (17-10, 9-7 SAC) topped No.13 Wayland Baptist University (17-10, 9-7 SAC) 91-85 in a come from behind, overtime thriller on Senior Day at the Sid Richardson Center on Saturday.
Wayland Baptist established and maintained a lead for over 37 minutes, but the Lady Rams shot 77 percent in the fourth quarter to erase a 13-point deficit to force overtime. Texas Wesleyan marched out a 17-4 run capped on an
Alycia Louallen triple with thirty seconds left to tie the game at 77-77. Texas Wesleyan denied the Flying Queens a response with solid defense, running out the clock to extend the game.
Shayla Monreal hit a shot from downtown to open the overtime period, but
Lorian Benjamin got two important steals that led to four fast break points to gain a lead for good. TXWES hit six straight from the charity stripe to secure the 91-85 win.
The Lady Rams had an amazing night behind the arc going 8-16 for 50 percent to keep pace with the tactical and hard-nosed Flying Queens. Texas Wesleyan outscored their opponent 38-22 in the paint, and 32-21 in points off the bench in the all-out effort.
Bailey Broadnax led all players with 27 points, going 10-13 from the floor and 7-8 from the free throw line.
Katelynn Threats had a big night, posting 18 points and 10 boards in 41 minutes of work. Louallen added 15 points, doing most of her damage late in the fourth quarter and overtime periods.
Lorian Benjamin had seven steals in the win.
Ashlie Bruner posted eight points and nine assists.
Texas Wesleyan honored seniors Bri Jackson,
Courtney Chargois,
Angela Nguyen, and a two-time NAIA All-American and first team All-SAC player in
Katelynn Threats. These student-athletes are responsible for 55 wins and two SAC tournament quarter-final appearances.
With the win today, the Lady Rams break an eight game losing streak to the Flying Queens, dating back to 2012. Texas Wesleyan is currently fourth in SAC standings with two games remaining in regular season play.
The Lady Rams will travel to Siloam Springs, AR for a meeting with 17th ranked John Brown University on Thursday, February 23 starting at 6:00 p.m.
