FORT WORTH — Texas Wesleyan (5-2, 1-0 SAC) secured a 61-50 victory over Central Christian College of Kansas (4-3, 0-1 SAC) at the Sid Richardson Center, fueled by a 14-point lead in the second half. 

The Rams capitalized on 11 steals to maintain their advantage throughout the game.

Texas Wesleyan took control early in the first quarter, establishing a lead with a layup by Kennedy Holmes at 9:15. The home team extended their advantage with contributions from Sophia Hurtado, who scored five points, including a three-pointer at 7:20. The Rams' defense held Central Christian at bay, limiting them to 6-for-21 shooting from the field. Nala Richardson's layup at 5:30 helped push Texas Wesleyan's lead to double digits. Despite a late push from Central Christian, the Rams ended the quarter with a 20-13 lead.

Texas Wesleyan maintained their lead throughout the second quarter, despite being outscored 16-14 by Central Christian. Kameryn Phillips was instrumental, contributing a layup at 9:02 and two free throws at 5:43. Aniyah Sanford added a three-pointer at 6:19, assisted by Richardson, to help keep the home team ahead. Central Christian's Chloe Clevenger kept the visitors competitive with a three-pointer at 3:11 and another at 0:15, but it wasn't enough to close the gap as Texas Wesleyan held onto a 34-29 lead by the end of the quarter.

Texas Wesleyan widened their lead in the third quarter, finishing with a significant 48-37 advantage over the Tigers. After trailing early in the quarter, Central Christian briefly took the lead with Clevenger's three-pointer at 7:25, making the score 37-36. However, the Rams responded with a strong offensive push, including key layups by Sanford and Richardson in the final two minutes. Phillips sealed the quarter with a jumper at the 10-second mark, giving Texas Wesleyan an 11-point lead heading into the final quarter.

Texas Wesleyan maintained their lead in the fourth quarter with strategic plays and strong free-throw shooting. Jenae Moore started the scoring for the Rams with a three-pointer at the 9:34 mark, increasing their lead to 51-37. Central Christian attempted to close the gap with Boston Tyler hitting a jumper, but Texas Wesleyan's defense held strong. Hurtado added a crucial three-pointer with 3:14 remaining, extending the lead to 55-43. Despite a late three-pointer by Charmayne Marshall for the Tigers at the buzzer, the Rams secured a 61-50 victory.

The Rams will next play at home on Saturday against Langston University, with tip-off scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Sid Richardson Center.