FORT WORTH, TX — Texas Wesleyan University fell short in a tightly contested game, losing 76-73 to Nelson University on Monday at the Sheaffer Center.

Despite a standout performance from Kameryn Phillips, who led all scorers with 29 points, the Rams could not overcome Nelson's balanced attack in the final moments.

Texas Wesleyan (12-6, 8-6 SAC) started strong, outpacing Nelson 20-17 in the first quarter. Phillips and Sophia Hurtado dominated early, combining for 17 points and 10 rebounds by halftime. The Rams capitalized on second-chance opportunities, scoring 16 points off offensive rebounds, but their struggles from beyond the arc (4-for-19) limited their ability to extend the lead.

Nelson (5-14, 4-12 SAC) fought back in the second quarter behind a sharp-shooting performance from Ashley Gonzalez, who finished with a team-high 17 points, including five three-pointers. Nelson's bench proved instrumental, contributing 43 points to offset the Rams' dominance in the paint. The teams traded leads throughout the game, with Nelson holding a narrow 35-34 advantage at halftime.

The third quarter saw both squads ramp up the intensity. Phillips continued to carry the offensive load for Texas Wesleyan, while Hurtado's rebounding and defensive presence kept the Rams within striking distance. A late three-pointer from Aniyah Sanford cut the deficit to two points, but Nelson's consistent free-throw shooting allowed them to maintain a 57-55 edge heading into the final frame.

Phillips added 11 more points, including key free throws to keep Texas Wesleyan close in the fourth quarter. However, Nelson's timely three-pointers from Gonzalez and Cailyn Tucker and clutch free throws down the stretch proved too much for the Rams to overcome. Despite strong defensive efforts from Hurtado and Payton Foster, Nelson held on to secure their victory.

The Rams' next two games are on the road, with a contest at Wayland Baptist on Thursday and Oklahoma Panhandle on Saturday.