OKLAHOMA CITY — Texas Wesleyan fell to Mid-America Christian University, 81-73, in a tightly contested Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament at the Gaulke Activity Center on Thursday night.
The Rams and Evangels traded leads multiple times throughout the game, but MACU's strong second-half free throw shooting and timely perimeter scoring ultimately sealed the victory.
Texas Wesleyan started fast, with Matt Nero drilling a three-pointer on the Rams' opening possession. Nero led all scorers with 23 points, hitting 5-of-11 from beyond the arc. His early scoring surge helped Texas Wesleyan build an eight-point lead midway through the first half.
MACU responded behind the play of Magok Manyang, who scored 15 points while adding seven rebounds and two blocks. Manyang's defensive presence and sharp shooting, including two key three-pointers, kept the Evangels close.
The Rams held a 35-34 lead with under a minute to play in the first half, but a late three-pointer from Tarrence Gaines allowed MACU to enter the break with a 40-35 advantage.
In the second half, Texas Wesleyan's Trey Sinegal knocked down a pair of three-pointers and converted all six of his free throws, finishing with 15 points. Vegas Evans also provided a spark, adding 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting.
However, the Evangels' balanced scoring attack proved too much for the Rams. MACU placed four players in double figures, led by Juwan White and Gaines with 16 points each. The Evangels shot 83.3% (15-for-18) from the free throw line, including a perfect 9-for-9 after halftime.
Despite cutting the deficit to three points with under five minutes to play, the Rams could not complete the comeback. MACU's perimeter defense limited Texas Wesleyan to just two made field goals in the final four minutes, and White's clutch free throws secured the win.
Texas Wesleyan shot 47.2% from the field and 45.8% from three-point range, but MACU's advantage on the glass (33-32) and second-chance points (20-6) made the difference.
The Rams will now wait and see if they can earn a spot in the NAIA National Tournament.
