Box Score WAXAHACHIE— Texas Wesleyan University (4-3, 1-2 SAC) fell to No. 20 Nelson University (6-2, 2-1 SAC) 88-83 on Monday night, despite holding a 15-point lead at the end of the first half. The Lions rallied with a strong second half, outscoring the Rams by 20 points after the break.

Texas Wesleyan established early control against Nelson, opening with a 6-2 lead following back-to-back three-pointers by Matt Nero, the second at 18:49. The Lions managed to stay close with a layup by Trelin Green at 16:02. Still, Texas Wesleyan's Montez Young, Jr. responded with a dunk 53 seconds later, maintaining a seven-point gap.

The Rams expanded their lead with an 11-2 run, capped by Young, Jr.'s fastbreak dunk at 1:33, pushing the score to 47-40. Daylan Hamilton closed the first half with a deep three-pointer at the buzzer, giving Texas Wesleyan a 55-40 advantage.

The second half saw Nelson overturn a 15-point deficit to defeat Texas Wesleyan 88-83. Micah Clark's layup at the 19:48 mark initiated the momentum shift, and the Lions eventually took the lead with 2:11 left after JJ Boling's fast-break 3-pointer.

Hamilton scored a 3-pointer at 3:42 to keep the Rams close, but Nelson (Texas) finished strong, with Dallas Smith sinking key free throws in the final seconds to secure the victory.

Hamilton posted 25 points and collected eight rebounds, showcasing his scoring ability with five 3-pointers. Young, Jr. contributed 20 points and 12 rebounds, demonstrating his presence on both ends of the court. Khalil Turner recorded 13 points and five blocks, adding three assists to his performance.

Nero added 18 points, hitting three shots from beyond the arc and making 7 of his 11 field goal attempts.

After the break the rams return to action on Dec. 4 againstOklahoma Panhandle State University on the road.