FORT WORTH, TX - Texas Wesleyan University (3-0) edged out Friends University (2-3), 70-69 in a closely contested game on Saturday.

The Rams surged to an early lead in the first quarter, closing it at 19-10 with effective defense and a quick-scoring offense. Savanna Smith opened the game with a three-pointer, and Taryn Wills and Sophia Hurtado added key points to give Texas Wesleyan a solid start.

The Rams continued to control the game in the second quarter. Wills hit an assisted jumper from Smith, followed by another three from Smith herself. By halftime, Texas Wesleyan had expanded their lead to 41-30, supported by an efficient shooting display and cohesive defensive play.

Friends University came out strong after halftime, with Taylor Jackson and Kori Babcock leading a comeback. Jackson's points in the paint and Babcock's three-pointers helped Friends close the gap, even tying the game at one point. Despite Friends' push, Texas Wesleyan countered with clutch shots from Wills and Hurtado to regain a slight lead.

High-intensity and back-and-forth scoring highlighted the fourth quarter. Friends went up by six points early in the quarter, driven by Jackson's play inside. Texas Wesleyan responded, with Kameryn Phillips and Imani Mitchell scoring critical points to level the game at 54-54Smith hit a pivotal three-pointer, securing a narrow one-point lead, in the final moments.

Friends attempted a comeback, but Texas Wesleyan's defense held strong to clinch the 70-69 victory.

Smith led the Rams with 12 points, while Wills and Phillips added 18 and 12 points, respectively. The Rams' teamwork and defensive resilience ultimately sealed the game in the final seconds.

The Rams will travel to Southwest Christian on Saturday to open conference play.