MARSHALL, TX -Texas Wesleyan University Women's basketball (1-0) team opened their season with an 84-53 victory over Wiley College (0-2) on November 2 at Alumni Gymnasium.
The Rams controlled the game from the outset, showcasing solid teamwork and a balanced scoring attack that left little opportunity for Wiley to close the gap.
The game began with Wiley's Keywaysha Alsup hitting an early three-pointer, giving her team a brief lead. Texas Wesleyan quickly responded, with Aniyah Sanford's back-to-back layups off defensive plays setting the tone. Kamryn Gibson's three-pointer extended their advantage to 7-3, and the Rams finished the first quarter narrowly ahead, 12-11 after Wiley's Tamia Dolls added another three-point play for her team.
Texas Wesleyan widened the gap in the second quarter by leveraging Wiley's turnovers. Giani Wimbish-Gay and Sanford secured crucial steals that led to fast breaks, while Gibson and Iasia Goldman added points with effective layups. A powerful defensive showing and steady rebounding from Kamryn Phillips and others helped Texas Wesleyan gain a 36-20 lead by halftime. Free throws and timely shots from Taryn Wills and Sophia Hurtado helped the Rams maintain momentum as they closed the half with a comfortable lead.
The third quarter saw Texas Wesleyan extend its lead with an impressive team performance. Savanna Smith led the scoring with precise shots, including a three-pointer that put the Rams up by 20. Peyton Foster contributed two three-pointers, and key rebounds from Imani Mitchell and Hurtado further solidified their dominance. Despite some resistance from Wiley through free throws, Texas Wesleyan closed the quarter with a significant 63-39 lead, thanks to their efficient offense and strong defense.
In the fourth quarter, Texas Wesleyan continued to control the pace. The Rams' bench depth and rotation allowed fresh players to sustain defensive pressure and offensive production. Phillips, Wills, and Goldman made significant contributions with layups and free throws, while Smith's three-pointer increased the lead even further. The Rams maintained discipline on both ends, allowing them to finish with a decisive 31-point victory. Texas Wesleyan's performance underscored their cohesive gameplay and readiness for the season ahead.
The Rams will return home to play Friday against Oklahoma Wesleyan University, with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m.
