McPHERSON – Texas Wesleyan University (19-9, 15-9 SAC) used a dominant second-half performance to secure a 71-48 victory over Central Christian College (3-25, 1-23 SAC) on Saturday at Jerry E. Alexander Arena.  

Despite a slow start, Texas Wesleyan found its rhythm after trailing 20-14 at the end of the first quarter. The Rams capitalized on turnovers and strong interior play in the second quarter, taking their first lead on a Savanna Smith three-pointer and a bucket from Peyton Foster. Texas Wesleyan's defense held the Tigers to just six points in the period, giving the Rams a 28-26 lead at halftime.

The Rams took control in the third quarter, outscoring Central Christian 25-10. Sophia Hurtado opened the half with back-to-back layups, and Kameryn Phillips' free throws extended the lead to eight. Texas Wesleyan's defensive pressure, highlighted by a Kamryn Gibson steal leading to an Iasia Goldman and-one, fueled a 13-point lead. Smith's three-pointer and a late three-point play by Giani Wimbish-Gay capped a dominant stretch, pushing the advantage to 53-36 entering the fourth.

Texas Wesleyan maintained its momentum in the final quarter, limiting Central Christian's offensive opportunities while executing efficiently on the other end. Hurtado and Phillips led the way, while contributions from Taryn Wills and Aniyah Sanford helped seal the win. The Rams' depth proved key, with multiple players providing valuable minutes off the bench.

Hurtado and Phillips paced Texas Wesleyan with 12 points each, while Wills added 11 points and seven rebounds. Smith contributed 10 points, and Goldman and Wimbish-Gay added seven each. The Rams shot 50.9% from the field and dominated the paint with 44 points.

Central Christian leading scorers were Chloe Clevenger and Cristina Laudan, who each scored 12 points. The Tigers struggled offensively, shooting just 31.3% from the floor and 20.6% from three-point range.

The Rams now sit and wait for the brackets to be released on Monday night to see who they will play in the quarterfinals of the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament.