FORT WORTH, Texas — Texas Wesleyan (8-12, 4-10) fell to Wayland Baptist (TX) (10-9, 9-5), 65-53, as the visitors built a 29-point lead by late in the third quarter. The Rams forced 17 turnovers and recorded 10 steals, but it was not enough to overcome the deficit.

The game began with Wayland Baptist establishing early momentum, opening with a 5–0 run. Texas Wesleyan responded with key plays from Kennedy Holmes, who scored a layup, and Peyton Foster, who drained a three-pointer to tie the game at 5 with 7:07 left in the quarter. Despite this, the Pioneers regained control with a series of three-pointers, eventually extending their lead. Texas Wesleyan managed to keep pace through contributions off the bench, notably a three-pointer from Nala Richardson. However, turnovers were costly, as the team committed eight in the quarter, allowing Wayland Baptist to capitalize and extend their lead. The period concluded with Kameryn Phillips securing a layup in the paint for Texas Wesleyan, but the Rams trailed 19–10 at the end of the first quarter.

Texas Wesleyan initiated the second quarter with a strategic defensive stop by Phillips, who swiped a steal leading to a layup, narrowing the deficit. Phillips continued to impact the game by converting multiple free throws, helping Texas Wesleyan to close the gap. Sophia Hurtado delivered a crucial 3-pointer, assisted by Aniyah Sanford, tying the score at 24 with just over three minutes remaining. Despite a brief lead by the Pioneers, Texas Wesleyan maintained their composure. Holmes contributed a key layup in the final minutes, keeping the home team within striking distance. The period concluded with Texas Wesleyan trailing by four, as they matched Wayland Baptist's offensive efforts, ending the quarter at 30-26.

The third quarter began with Wayland Baptist seizing momentum, extending their lead with a series of scoring plays. Texas Wesleyan struggled to convert, managing just two field goals in the quarter. Holmes grabbed a key defensive rebound, but turnovers and fouls hindered further progress. The Pioneers capitalized on Texas Wesleyan's turnovers, converting them into points and building a substantial lead. Texas Wesleyan's efforts included a late layup by Phillips and a 3-pointer from Foster in the final seconds. The quarter concluded with Wayland Baptist ahead 55–31.

Texas Wesleyan opened the fourth quarter with a focus on overcoming the deficit, highlighted by Phillips' jumper in the paint at 9:16. The team capitalized on Wayland Baptist turnovers, with Sanford contributing significantly through a steal and subsequent layup at 6:32, cutting into the lead. Texas Wesleyan showcased resilience, as Hurtado's three-pointer at 3:03 further narrowed the gap. Defensively, Texas Wesleyan limited Wayland Baptist to two field goals in the quarter while forcing six turnovers. Richardson's efforts on the boards and free throw line, including back-to-back free throws at 0:48, kept the team competitive. Despite the efforts, Texas Wesleyan trailed 65-53 at the close of the game.

Phillips led the team with 17 points, converting 7 of 7 free throws and collecting five rebounds. Hurtado added 13 points, hitting three 3-pointers and contributing seven rebounds. Sanford recorded five assists and two steals, while Richardson scored seven points and made two steals.