FORT WORTH, TX– Texas Wesleyan University (17-7, 13-7 SAC) stormed back in the fourth quarter to upset No. 19 Langston University (23-2, 19-2 SAC) at the Sid Richardson Center on Monday 60-55.
A dominant final period, led by Kamryn Gibson and Imani Mitchell, propelled the Rams past the Lions in a tightly contested Sooner Athletic Conference battle.
The first quarter set the tone for a defensive struggle, as both teams exchanged baskets but struggled to gain separation. The Lions and the Rams ended the opening frame tied at 12-12 after a balanced scoring effort on both sides.
Langston began to pull away in the second quarter, capitalizing on three-pointers from Jordan Brown and Nykale Cramer. Texas Wesleyan fought to keep pace with key baskets from Savanna Smith and Gibson, but Langston's perimeter shooting helped them take a 30-25 lead into halftime.
The Rams slowly chipped away at the deficit in the third quarter, responding to Langston's attacks with strong inside play. Za'Naiha Hensley provided a spark off the bench, scoring four points in quick succession, while Mitchell and Sophia Hurtado added timely baskets. Despite Langston's effort to maintain control, Texas Wesleyan trailed by just three, 42-39, heading into the final period.
Texas Wesleyan took command in the fourth quarter, outscoring Langston 21-13 in a clutch performance. Mitchell opened the quarter with a critical three-pointer to tie the game.
Gibson, who finished with a game-high 14 points, continued to deliver in key moments, knocking down a crucial three-pointer with 30 seconds remaining. Hurtado's long-range shooting gave the Rams their largest lead at six points with 2:30 left.
Langston attempted a late push with free throws from Brown, but a pivotal steal and free throws by Gibson in the final moments secured the upset victory.
Mitchell contributed 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting, while Hurtado and Tayran Wills added nine points. Langston's Brown led all scorers with 14 points, and Woods added 12 for the Lions.
Texas Wesleyan returns to action on Thursday against Oklahoma City University at 6:45 p.m. in the Sid Richardson Center.
