PLAINVIEW, Texas – The Texas Wesleyan men's basketball team (14-3, 7-2 SAC) topped Wayland Baptist (7-9, 3-6 SAC) 80-51 at the Hutcherson Center on Saturday.
 
The Rams got two pieces to the high-powered offense back today in Sebastian Karwoski and Akili Vining. Vining had 16 points, seven boards, and four assists in his Texas Wesleyan debut. Karwoski added eight points as he works his way back into the rotation.
 
Kristian Lafayette scored 10 of the first 12 points of the game for the Rams, giving TXWES a 12-4 lead in the first four minutes and change.  TXWES stacked the great start with an 18-2 run to make it 34-12 with under five minutes left in the first half. It was all Rams from there as the road team grabbed a 42-23 halftime advantage.
 
It was more of the same in the second half as Lafayette and the Rams continued to light up the court at Hutcherson Center in an outstanding day shooting the rock. TXWES, which averages 45% from the floor and 35% from the three-point line on the season, shot 49% from the floor and a smoking hot 63% from downtown in the win today.
 
Lafayette secured his sixth double-double of the season behind 22 points and 15 rebounds. He was 8 of 8 from the floor, including 4 of 4 from behind the arc. The junior from Detroit was also 2 of 2 from the free throw line in the perfect outing. As icing on the cake, he also contributed five blocks, four steals, and three assists in the win.
 
At 7-2, the team is cemented in third place in conference standings, looking up at #16 Science and Arts and #6 SAGU at 7-1.
 
The Rams, winners of its last four games, will stay on the road and take on Oklahoma City on Thursday, Jan. 13. Tip-off is schedule for a 7:45 p.m. start.