FORT WORTH, TX - The 2018-2019 season is officially behind the Rams. Texas Wesleyan Men's Basketball (1-0) defeated University of the Southwest (1-2) 73-62 Thursday afternoon amongst dressed up students and faculty before all the trick-or-treating began.

The Rams dug an early 11-2 hole but after that little hiccup, TXWES dominated the rest of the way. While Texas Wesleyan didn't take a double-digit lead until 2:30 remaining in the second half, the game felt in control of the home team. The Rams dominated at the line - 32 free throws (made 21) - to just 11 for the Mustangs, USW committed 22 turnovers and TXWES' bench out-scored Southwest's bench 20-6.

A turning point came early in the second half. In transition, the Mustangs lost sight of sharp-shooter Sam Lorenzen, leaving him wide open on the left side to swish a three, putting the Rams up 42-35. It was the first wide open shot TXWES had all day. Lorenzen missed his first two threes, but made his last four to lead Texas Wesleyan in scoring with 16 points.

Sebastian Karwoski had a strong debut with 14 points and five rebounds, working quickly inside. LaMont Simmons came off the bench and provided 10 points and six rebounds. Akeem White did it all - nine points, eight rebounds, two assists a steal and two thunderous blocks from behind. The Rams were as Head Coach Brennen Shingleton promised in the season preview: long, athletic and quick.

Davon Berry chipped in seven points, five rebounds and three assists in his debut game at point guard. Joe Cook-Green added seven points, four rebounds and three assists. Last season's leading scorer, Peyton Sallee, struggled in his sophomore debut going 0-for-6 from the floor with three points at the line.

Texas Wesleyan trailed the first ten minutes of the game, but once the Rams grabbed a 16-15 advantage on Karwoski's floater in the paint, TXWES didn't look back much. Up 29-27 at the half, the home squad never surrendered the lead in the final period.

Jarvis Christian comes into the Sid Richardson Center next. The Bulldogs and Rams have had some heated battles over the last two seasons, with Texas Wesleyan winning two close ones - a 72-70 tilt in Fort Worth on November 25, 2017 and an 85-81 triumph in Hawkins, Texas November 5, 2018. Jarvis Christian lost a nailbiter in its first game of the season 62-61 to St. Mary (Kan.).

It's very early in the season, but Sooner Athletic Conference teams are a combined 11-0 to start 2019.