FORT WORTH, TX - On Thursday, Texas Wesleyan emerged victorious against Oklahoma Panhandle State with a final score of 75-63. The game, held on January 4, 2024, showcased the resilience and skills of both teams.

The first half saw Oklahoma Panhandle State take a narrow lead, finishing 43-35. Fred Robinson was a standout performer for the away team, contributing 25 points, while Kris Lafayette led the charge for Texas Wesleyan with 31 points. The first half featured efficient shooting from both teams, with Texas Wesleyan shooting at 41.18% from the field compared to Oklahoma Panhandle State's 57.14%.

The second half witnessed a strong comeback from Texas Wesleyan, outscoring their opponents 40-20. Lafayette continued his stellar performance, finishing with a total of 31 points. Adetokunbo Bakare and Donovan Lovelace also played crucial roles, scoring 17 and 7 points, respectively. Texas Wesleyan's second-half shooting improved significantly, reaching 60.00% from the field.

The game featured multiple lead changes, indicative of the competitive nature of the match-up. Both teams showcased their skills in the paint, with points in the paint playing a pivotal role. Texas Wesleyan dominated in this area, accumulating 32 points compared to Oklahoma Panhandle State's 18.

Turnovers and steals also played a significant role in shaping the game. Points off turnovers and bench points proved crucial for Texas Wesleyan, with 19 and 10 points, respectively. The largest lead of the game, a 12-point advantage, was secured by Texas Wesleyan in the second half.

Texas Wesleyan's second-half solid performance, led by Lafayette and supported by Bakare and Lovelace, proved decisive in securing the 75-63 victory over Oklahoma Panhandle State. 

The Rams will next play on Saturday in the Sid Richardson Center against conference foe Wayland Baptist, with tip-off scheduled for 3:45 p.m.