WAXAHACHIE, TX: The Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team (11-6, 6-3 SAC) delivered a 101-92 win at Southwestern Assemblies of God University (11-6, 5-4 SAC) Monday evening. The Rams notched their fifth consecutive win and remain unbeaten since the calendar turned to 2018.
The Rams controlled play from the opening tip, but SAGU made a push midway through the period. The Lions took a 29-28 lead with a jumper from Josh Swearingin, and stretched that margin to as many as six, 38-32. The Rams responded with eighth unanswered points and never trailed again.
After a three from
Branden Jenkins followed by a steal from Jenkins and a pair of free throws from
Rob Thomas, the Rams went to the locker room with a 58-51 edge.
Texas Wesleyan held a double-figure advantage for much of the second half, extending their lead to as many as 14 (85-71). The margin held at 13, 98-85, following a jumper from
Juwan Jones with 1:26 to play and the Rams cruised to the 101-92 victory.
The Rams held a slender +1 rebounding margin while both teams turned the ball over 13 times. SAGU got to the free throw line with regularity, hitting 23-o-30. The difference in the game was Texas Wesleyan's efficient shooting. The Rams outshot the Lions 51%-41% from the field, 39%-31% form 3-point range, and 79%-77% at the free throw line.
Five Rams reached double-figures in scoring, led by
Branden Jenkins' game-high 28 points which he paired with eight rebounds, four assists, and four steals.
Sam Smith added 20 points, five boards, and five assists.
Juwan Jones posted 18 points while
Ryan Harris finished with 13 points, and
Curtiss Anderson scored 10 points.
Jeremy Crane dished out a career-high eight assists in the win.
Swearingin led the Lions, coming off the bench to provide 20 points and six rebounds.
The Rams are back in action on Saturday, when they host Southwestern Christian University. That game is scheduled for a 5:00 p.m. start in the Sid Richardson Center.
Ramblings
- During their current five-game winning streak, the Rams have averaged 94 points per game while shooting 51% from the field and outscoring their opponents by 13 points per game.
- The Rams lead the all-time series with SAGU 28-9, while they improved to 45-38 all-time in SAC play.
- The Rams lead the all-time series with their next opponent, Southwestern Christian University, 7-3.
- This was Texas Wesleyan's fourth consecutive game in which they have had two players score 20 or more points.
