OKLAHOMA CITY – The Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team (14-4, 8-3 SAC) dropped a conference game on the road in an 80-72 loss to Oklahoma City University (8-9, 7-3 SAC) at Abe Lemons Arena on Thursday.  
 
Readers may recall Kristian Lafayette, who is averaging a double-double for the season (11.1 points and 10.4 rebounds), getting off to hot start scoring in the Rams' 80-51 win over Wayland. This time it was Lamine Komara providing the first six points of a 13-0 run, giving TXWES another hot start against the OCU Stars. The junior from Columbus, Ohio hit a jumper before providing a dunk to get things started. A Vydal Bradford free throw capped the rally.
 
The Rams cruised through the rest of the first half, establishing a double digit multiple times including a Davon Berry swish from long range to make 36-26 with just under three minutes remaining in the half. Komara capped the first half with the last bucket before the buzzer, giving him 12 points and the Rams enjoyed a 40-31 lead going into the break.
 
After the first 20 minutes, TXWES outscored the Stars in the paint 20-6 and was +11 on the boards.
 
The Stars came storming back in the second half, erasing an 11-point deficit in the first eight minutes with a 12-5 run to take a 46-45 lead. The Rams responded, reaching the free throw line on multiple possessions to regain a seven-point, 54-47 lead with eight minutes left in regulation. The Stars made up ground with gritty defense and made the most of their chances on the offensive end to make it a dogfight down the stretch. Bradford gave the Rams a 67-66 lead with 28 second on the clock, but OCU got to the line with four second on the clock. Rashaun Coleman missed the first free throw before making the second to tie the game again at 67 apiece, giving TXWES the ball with four seconds. Jalen Anderson launched a three at the buzzer, but missed and sent the game into overtime.
 
The overtime period saw momentum shift to the Stars busting out with an 8-0 rally after a Jalen Anderson jump shot tied the game. OCU with an eight point lead with under two minutes remaining, closed out the rest of overtime on the way to an 80-72 win.
 
The Rams lost a bit of rhythm shooting in the second half, and shot just 25 percent from the floor in overtime, while the Stars shot 71 percent in OT. TXWES was without sharp shooter Peyton Sallee tonight, and he was missed as the Rams shot just 14 percent from downtown in the second half.
 
Lafayette led the Rams and earned another double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Bradford posted 16 points and eight assists in the effort. Sebastian Karwoski contributed 15 rebounds and nine points. Komara tacked on 12 points and nine boards, while Berry had 11 points.
 
The Rams will come home to take on John Brown on Saturday, Jan. 13. Tip-off is set for 3:45 p.m. at The Sid.