FORT WORTH, TX: The Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team (14-7, 8-4 SAC) suffered its first loss of 2018 on Saturday. The Rams' eight-game winning streak came to a close with an 86-83 loss to 15th ranked University of Science & Arts (18-3, 9-3 SAC).
The Rams controlled much of the first half, but could not gain the separation they have enjoyed during their streak. The Rams led by as many as nine (32-23) while the period saw six tie scores and three lead changes.
Texas Wesleyan started the game on a 9-1 run, but the Drovers stormed back and snagged a 12-11 lead with a jumper from Dedrian Parmer. A 7-0 run stretched the lead to nine, but USAO closed the half on a 20-7 run to lead 43-40 at the break.
USAO got 13 points from Julius Foster in the first half. Sixteen points from Brandon Scott in the second half proved to be the difference in the game.
The teams were whistled for a combined 53 fouls and shot 60 free throws. The Rams were able to keep the game within reach throughout the second half, and the free throw shooting contest favored the Rams late. Six consecutive freebies from
Sam Smith,
Ryan Harris, and
Branden Jenkins cut the score to 82-81 with 2:29 to play. A layup from
Branden Jenkins with four seconds to play held the margin at one possession (85-83).
The Rams thought they had stolen the ensuing in-bounds pass, but USAO was awarded possession. The Drover's Hutch Peterson left the door cracked by making one-of-two at the free throw line, but a desperation half-court shot at the buzzer did not find its mark as USAO escaped with an 86-83 win.
The Drovers outshot the Rams 48%-47% from the field. The Rams were +4 in the rebound column and outshot the Drovers 79% (23-29) – 55% (17-31) at the free throw line.
Jenkins led all scorers with 27 points, while
Ryan Harris supplied 22 points.
Sam Smith tallied a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Curtiss Anderson finished with 11 points and
Juwan Jones added 10.
Rob Thomas dished out nine assists and grabbed eight boards.
Scott led the Drovers with 24 points while Foster finished with 16 points after his big first half.
The Rams will return to action on Thursday, when they host Oklahoma Panhandle State University. That game is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. start in the Sid Richardson Center.
Ramblings
- The all-time series between Texas Wesleyan and USAO is now tied a 10-10. The Rams are now 47-39 all-time in SAC play.
- USAO now holds sole possession of first place in the SAC standings at 9-3. The Rams are tied for second at 8-4 with #21 Oklahoma City.
- This was the seventh consecutive game and 10th game of the season in which at least two Rams have scored 20 or more points.
- During the Rams' winning streak, they had averaged 92.1 points per game while outscoring their opponents by 12.5 points.
-
Branden Jenkins currently ranks 7th in the NAIA in scoring at 22 points per game.
- The Rams are 0-1 all-time against OPSU, suffering a 90-81 loss earlier this season in Goodwell, OK.
