McPHERSON, KS: The Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team (7-6, 2-3 SAC) took an 81-79 road win at Central Christian College (7-5, 1-4 SAC) in Sooner Athletic Conference play on Thursday.
 
Juwan Jones followed his 35-point debut with 24 points against the Tigers to lead four Rams in double-figure scoring.
 
After the Tigers led much of the first half and went into the break with a 45-40 advantage, the Rams buckled down defensively.  CCC shot 46% in the first half, but managed just 30% in the second half.
 
Texas Wesleyan came right back to tie the game at 48 with a bucket from Branden Jenkins and eventually take a 53-50 lead with a three from Jones.  The two teams were never separated by more than two possessions for the remainder of the contest. 
 
The game hit a crucial point with 2:37 to play when Jenkins, carrying four fouls, drove the lane and appeared to be fouled on a layup.  However, offsetting fouls were called on both players, and instead of a potential three-point play, the Rams were left with no points, and a slender 76-73 lead without the aid of their leading scorer.
 
In the closing seconds, the Rams were able to convert five of eight free throws, which proved to be just enough to hold the Tigers off at 81-79.
 
For the game, the Rams outshot the Tigers 46%-38% from the floor.
 
Jones, who hit eight three's in his first game as a Ram last week, did his damage in the lane on Thursday.  He was 6-of-14 from the field, and 2-of-7 from long range, but got to the foul line with regularity where he hit 10-of-13.
 
Curtiss Anderson added 12 points and a season-high 17 rebounds.  Jenkins added 15 points, Jeremy Crane scored 13, and Rob Thomas finished with 11 points in the win.
 
CCC was led by Cam Martin's 16 points, while TJ Williams (15), Jubril Osagie (14), Paul Ard II (13) and LaDarius Lenard (11) also reached double-figures.
 
The Rams will retun to action on Saturday, when they host Oklahoma City University.  That game is scheduled for a 3 p.m. start in the Sid Richardson Center.
 
Ramblings

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- This was the first ever meeting between Texas Wesleyan and Central Christian.  The Rams are now 41-38 all-time in Sooner Athletic Conference play.
 
- The all-time series with Oklahoma City is tied 12-12 while the Rams have taken each of the last two meetings.
 
- Jones has not played enough games to qualify, but his 29.5 points per game would rank second in the NAIA.  Jenkins currently ranks 18th in the nation at 20.1 points per game.