OKLAHOMA CITY, OK– Texas Wesleyan University (17-8,13-8 SAC) battled throughout but fell short in a 74-63 loss to Mid-America Christian University (22-4,18-4 SAC) on Saturday at the Gaulke Activity Center.
The Rams opened the game with an early lead behind strong inside play from Taryn Wills, who scored the team's first two baskets. Mid-America Christian responded with back-to-back three-pointers and used a 6-0 run to gain control. Aniyah Sanford knocked down a key three-pointer late in the quarter to keep Texas Wesleyan within striking distance, but the Evangels closed the period with a 17-11 advantage.
In the second quarter, the Rams struggled with turnovers, allowing the Evangels to extend their lead. Kameryn Phillips provided a spark, scoring seven points in the period, while Sophia Hurtado and Imani Mitchell contributed defensively. Despite a late free throw from Savanna Smith, the Rams trailed 33-24 at halftime.
MACU pushed its lead to double digits in the third quarter, but Texas Wesleyan fought to stay in the game. Smith's jumper at the 9:05 mark cut the deficit to seven, but MACU responded with three-pointers from Shy Christopher. Late in the quarter, Payton Foster and Kamryn Gibson connected from beyond the arc, while Smith added a fast-break layup to keep TXWES within reach. The Rams entered the final frame down 56-44.
Texas Wesleyan showed resilience in the fourth quarter. Foster hit a three-pointer, and Gibson and Giani Wimbish-Gay scored in the paint to fuel a late push. The Rams' defense forced several turnovers, including a steal by Smith that led to a fast-break layup by Sanford. Wills and Gibson continued to battle inside, securing offensive rebounds and finishing at the rim. However, late fouls and steady free-throw shooting from Mid-America Christian helped the Evangels secure the win.
Phillips and Wills led the Rams with 10 points each, while Sanford and Gibson added eight each. Christopher paced Mid-America Christian with a game-high 20 points.
The Rams will face Oklahoma City University on Monday at 6:45 in the Sid Richardson Center. It will be their final home game of the regular season.
