FORT WORTH - Texas Wesleyan University (2-1) defeated Texas A&M-Texarkana (0-1) 68-66 in overtime in Friday night's contest.
In the first quarter, things started out strong defensively for both teams as the Eagles and Rams combined for only two points in the first five minutes. In the second half of the first quarter the offense for both teams started as both teams traded leads several times.
Kameryn Phillips led the Rams in the first quarter with six points to give the Rams their first lead, but the Eagles rallied to take a 14-12 lead going into the second quarter.
In the second quarter, Phillips continued her momentum by scoring two in the paint early to give the Rams a 16-14 lead.
Jenae Moore got hot in the second quarter with four straight made threes to give the Rams a commanding lead over the Eagles. The Rams and Eagles continued to battle all throughout the second quarter and the Rams took the lead 29-28 late going into halftime.
Going into the second half,
Kennedy Holmes got things started with a quick three pointer that led to an 11-3 run for the Rams. Phillips and
Nala Richardson led the scoring for the Rams late to lift up the Rams to a nine point lead going into the fourth quarter with a 45-36 lead.
In the fourth quarter, Richardson and Phillips once again each got some early layups to extend the Rams lead. The Eagles took the game over late in the fourth and eventually took a 56-53 lead with 15 seconds remaining. After a quick timeout, the Rams dished the ball out to Moore as she once again hit a big three with 14 seconds left that eventually sent the game to overtime.
In overtime, the Rams and Eagles offenses once again came to life as there was rapid back and forth scoring as both teams exchanged several leads.
Aniyah Sanford got things started with an early three to take a 59-56 lead. Phillips had some late clutch layups late to extend the Rams lead. The Eagles continued to foul in overtime to give the Rams plenty of opportunities at the line where Sanford and Phillips went a combined 7-8 to lift the Rams over the Eagles 68-66.
Phillips led the Rams in scoring with 22 points, followed by Moore with 15 and Hurtado with eight.
Kyla Speights was the lead facilitator with five assists and Phillips also led the team with eight rebounds.
The Rams return to action tomorrow against Louisiana State University-Alexandria inside the Sid Richardson Center at 2pm.
