BALDWIN CITY – Texas Wesleyan University (19-11, 14-9 nSAC) battled early but fell to Baker University (29-3, 22-2) 72-58 on Friday night in NAIA Tournament action.

The Rams kept pace with the Wildcats through the first half, but Baker pulled away in the final 20 minutes behind efficient shooting and strong defense.

Montez Young Jr. led Texas Wesleyan with 18 points and 11 rebounds, securing a double-double. Trey Sinegal added 12 points, while Matt Nero contributed 11, including three three-pointers. However, the Rams struggled from the field, shooting 35.4% overall and just 26.1% from beyond the arc.

The game saw multiple lead changes in the opening half, with Young Jr. pacing the Rams offensively. Texas Wesleyan held an early 26-22 lead after a three-pointer by Richard Amaefule, but Baker responded with a run to take a 31-30 advantage into halftime.

In the second half, the Rams briefly regained the lead at 32-31, but Baker answered with an 11-2 run, capitalizing on turnovers and second-chance opportunities. Kristopher O'Neal tied the game at 41-41 with a three-pointer, but the Wildcats' balanced scoring attack proved too much to overcome.

Baker shot 57.4% from the field and 38.9% from three-point range, with Ahmed Mahgoub leading the way with 17 points. Noah Rigatuso and Korey Jones added 14 and 13 points, respectively.

Texas Wesleyan attempted to close the gap late, with Nero and Sinegal making key buckets, but Baker's defense and late free throws secured the win. The Wildcats led by as many as 16 points in the final minutes.

The loss concludes the Rams 2024-25 season!