FORT WORTH, Texas — Texas Wesleyan University (7-9, 3-7) fell to Nelson University (12-2, 8-2), 82-70, on Monday, despite a strong bench contribution of 37 points.

Texas Wesleyan began the first quarter with an early exchange of baskets, taking a brief lead with Kameryn Phillips scoring a layup and Jenae Moore hitting a 3-pointer. The Rams maintained its edge with a strong start from the bench, as Nala Richardson and Peyton Foster contributed with a 3-pointer and an assist, respectively, stretching the lead to six points at 7:43. However, Nelson responded with a series of successful plays, including fast-break points and a 3-pointer that shifted the momentum. Despite efforts from the Rams to stay in contention, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Kyla Speights, Nelson's consistent scoring, including a late jumper and a 3-pointer, pushed the visitors ahead. The quarter concluded with Nelson leading 24-17, after a final jumper from Sophia Hurtado for Texas Wesleyan.

Texas Wesleyan initiated the second quarter with a defensive rebound by Alaina Hill, who quickly converted it into a jumper, assisted by Speights, to narrow the gap. Despite a challenging stretch where Nelson extended their lead, Richardson's fast-break layup, following her own steal, provided a crucial momentum shift. Midway through the quarter, Phillips contributed with a fast-break layup, capitalizing on a turnover. Aniyah Sanford's three-pointer and a subsequent layup by Hill helped the Rams reduce the deficit to seven points. The quarter concluded with a three-pointer from Richardson at the five-second mark, matching Nelson's 17 points for the quarter. The teams entered the halftime break with Nelson leading 41–34.

Nelson opened the third quarter by extending their lead with two early 3-pointers, setting the stage for a challenging quarter for the Rams. Phillips responded with a layup at 8:04, but the visitors continued to build their advantage, reaching a 20-point lead at 4:14. Despite the deficit, Texas Wesleyan showed resilience with contributions from Iasia Goldman, Hill, and a 3-pointer by Speights at 2:48. The home team managed a late surge with a 3-pointer from Hurtado and free throws by Phillips, cutting into the lead towards the end of the quarter. The quarter concluded with a jumper from Phillips, but Nelson maintained control, leading 66–50 at the end of the third.

Texas Wesleyan initiated the fourth quarter with a 3-pointer from Speights, assisted by Richardson, narrowing the deficit. Defensive pressure resulted in multiple turnovers from Nelson, with Foster contributing crucial steals. Despite these efforts, Nelson extended their lead to 18 points midway through the quarter. In the latter part of the quarter, the Rams capitalized on Nelson's turnovers, with Phillips and Sanford scoring layups to reduce the margin. Richardson added another 3-pointer, but Nelson maintained their advantage by converting free throws. The quarter concluded with a 3-pointer from Moore at the buzzer, closing the gap slightly. The game ended with the Lady Rams trailing, 82-70.

Phillips scored 17 points and added three rebounds. Richardson tallied 15 points, including four 3-pointers, and recorded two steals. Speights contributed nine points, converting three 3-pointers. Hill added eight points and collected five rebounds.

The Rams go on the road later this week as they travel to Chickasha, OK to take on first-place Drovers from University of Science & Arts on Thursday, January 15 at 6pm.