OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Texas Wesleyan University (17-8, 13-8 SAC) edged out Mid-America Christian University (19-7, 15-7 SAC) 70-68 in a thriller on Saturday at Gaulke Activity Center, securing a crucial Sooner Athletic Conference victory.

The Rams (17-8, 13-8 SAC) and Evangels battled through a back-and-forth first half, which ended in a 31-31 deadlock. Texas Wesleyan's Trey Sinegal led all scorers with 21 points, while Montez Young Jr. added a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Vegas Evans also contributed 13 points for the Rams.

Mid-America Christian's Josiah Fulcher kept his team in the fight, pouring in 23 points on 9-of-15 shooting. Keeshawn Mason and Juwan White added 13 and 12 points, respectively, but the Evangels fell short despite a late-game push.

Texas Wesleyan opened the second half strong, taking a 34-31 lead after a jumper from Sinegal. The teams traded baskets throughout the period, with MACU briefly pulling ahead 39-34 after a pair of layups from Fulcher. The Rams responded with a layup and free throw from Kaden Morgan to close the gap.

At the 12-minute mark, Evans converted a layup and free throw to tie the game at 45-45. Sinegal's three-pointer put Texas Wesleyan back in front, but MACU continued to answer, tying the game again at 55-55 after a White layup.

Texas Wesleyan built a 69-64 lead in the final minutes before MACU mounted a last effort, as Fulcher drained a clutch three-pointer to bring the Evangels within one at 69-68. With the game on the line, the Rams held firm defensively, denying MACU's final attempt to seal the victory.

Texas Wesleyan shot 50% from the field, including 31.6% from beyond the arc, while Mid-America Christian hit 42.4% overall and 28.1% from deep. The Rams capitalized on MACU's turnovers, scoring 23 points off takeaways.

TXWES plays Oklahoma City University on Monday at 7:45 p.m. in the Sid Richard Center to close out the home portion of the regular season.