POINT LOOKOUT — Texas Wesleyan University fell 68-55 to College of the Ozarks on Thursday in the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament.
The game opened with a fast-paced first quarter, but Texas Wesleyan struggled to keep pace with the Bobcats' hot shooting and dominance on the boards. Led by Abbey Linville's sharp shooting beyond the arc. Coupled with second-chance points from Blythe Benefield, helped College of the Ozarks build an early 20-10 lead.
The Rams responded in the second quarter, tightening their defense and getting key baskets from Kameryn Phillips and Peyton Foster. Foster connected on back-to-back three-pointers to trim the deficit, and Texas Wesleyan's defense forced several turnovers to slow the Bobcats' offense.
College of the Ozarks held a narrow 29-24 advantage at halftime.
The third quarter proved the turning point, as College of the Ozarks erupted for 28 points behind Linville's outside shooting and strong interior play from Susanna Moran and Benefield. The Rams' offense faltered under pressure, committing costly turnovers that led directly to Bobcat fast-break points. Despite efforts from Phillips and Imani Mitchell to keep the Rams in striking distance, Texas Wesleyan entered the final period trailing 57-39.
In the fourth quarter, Texas Wesleyan attempted to mount a comeback, led by Phillips' aggressive drives and baskets from Aniyah Sanford and Sophia Hurtado. However, the Bobcats maintained control, using timely three-pointers from Linville and Logan Jones to keep the Rams at bay. College of the Ozarks' defensive pressure continued to force turnovers, limiting Texas Wesleyan's offensive opportunities down the stretch.
Phillips led Texas Wesleyan with 11 points and seven rebounds, while Foster added nine points off the bench. The Lady Rams shot 35.1% from the field and 22.2% from beyond the arc, struggling to find a consistent offensive rhythm.
Linville paced College of the Ozarks with 18 points, all from three-point range, while Moran recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
The Rams must now wait to see if they will earn a spot in the NAIA National Tournament.
