FORT WORTH – Texas Wesleyan University (3-1) defeated Louisiana State University-Alexandria (1-2) 61-56 in Saturday afternoon's contest.
In the first quarter, the Generals struck first as they scored in the paint just 23 seconds into the game. The Rams and Generals both showcased their strong defenses for the next several minutes as there were only six more points scored in the next five minutes. Even though both teams started out slow offensively to start, that quickly changed as there were 17 points scored between both teams in the final four minutes.
Peyton Foster got things started with an open layup that was quickly followed by a three pointer from
Nala Richardson to give the Rams an eventual 13-12 lead going into the second quarter.
In the second quarter, the Generals had an open layup early once again but were quickly answered with Foster and
Aniyah Sanford hitting two big threes to help the Rams take a seven-point lead. The Generals attempted to battle back with two-point jump shots, but were all answered with points from the Rams as well to maintain and even extend their lead. The Generals went on a run to close the gap to two points with under two minutes in the half.
Kameryn Phillips made a quick jumper, followed by a free throw from Richardson to give the Rams a 31-26 lead going into the half.
Going into the third quarter, both the Rams and Generals got on board with some early free throws. The Generals scored in the paint to close the Rams lead to only one point at 33-32.
Jenae Moore, having already hit a three in the game, made another one to extend the Rams lead to 36-32 halfway through the quarter. The Generals went on an 8-0 run to take a 40-36 lead over the Rams with three minutes to play, but once again was answered by a four-point swing from the Rams to tie it up at 40-40 with two minutes left in the quarter. Both teams continued to keep things close as Richardson hit a three with five seconds remaining in the quarter to close things out tied 45-45 with one quarter of regulation remaining.
The fourth quarter saw both teams trade early layups along with two free throws from Richardson to give the Rams a 47-45 lead. The Rams built a four-point lead after Phillips made both of her free throws as the Rams led 51-47 with seven minutes remaining in the quarter. The Generals tied things up at 54-54 with five minutes remaining off a 7-3 run. With just under four minutes in the quarter,
Kyla Speights made one of her free throws and
Sophia Hurtado scored inside to give the Rams a 57-54 lead as the clock was ticking down. With under a minute to play, the Rams took a four-point lead, hoping to hold it and not let the Generals come back. Although the Generals had several scoring opportunities, the Rams defense proved to be too much as they came out with a 61-56 victory.
Richardson led the Rams with 15 points on a 5-9 shooting performance, followed by Phillips with 14 and going 10-15 from the line. Phillips also added eight rebounds to lead the Rams.
The Rams return to action on Friday, November 14 as they travel to San Antonio to take on Our Lady of the Lake University at 4pm.
