FORT WORTH — Texas Wesleyan University (6-4, 3-3 SAC) fell to Oklahoma City University (9-4, 6-1 SAC) 94-93 in a closely contested matchup on Thursday at the Sid Richardson Center. The Rams led by as many as eight points early in the second half, but the Stars edged ahead with a late surge.
The game opened with
Daylan Hamilton hitting a three-pointer for Texas Wesleyan, setting an early tone. The Stars responded with a series of successful outside shots, including a three-pointer by Brian Alexander at 16:05.
Khalil Turner contributed significantly with a layup and a converted free throw at 16:19, helping to maintain a narrow lead. As the half wound down,
Matt Nero capped a crucial sequence with a dunk at 1:06, assisted by
Daniel Oravbiere, extending the home team's lead. The first half ended with the Rams leading 46-40.
Texas Wesleyan and Oklahoma City delivered a closely contested second half, highlighted by key plays from both teams. The Rams'
Montez Young, Jr. scored a layup at the 19:10 mark to stretch their lead to eight points, but Oklahoma City's Jackson Hopps responded with a three-pointer to tighten the game. The lead exchanged hands multiple times, with Hamilton hitting a crucial three-pointer for Texas Wesleyan at 9:18, bringing the score to 70-66. In the final minute, Alexander of Oklahoma City sealed the victory with two free throws, contributing to a 94-93 win. The visiting team outscored the home team in the first half 54-47, securing a narrow victory in a tightly fought contest.
Hamilton scored 29 points, converting 5 of 7 from beyond the arc. Turner added 14 points and dished out four assists while collecting five rebounds. Young, Jr. finished with 21 points, hitting 10 of 13 field goal attempts. Oravbiere contributed defensively with four blocks and two steals.
The Rams will travel to Bethany, OK, on Saturday to play against Southwestern Christian University, with the game scheduled to start at 4 p.m.
