OKLAHOMA CITY — Texas Wesleyan University (14-15) edged Langston University (24-5), 60-56, in a postseason matchup, overcoming a three-point halftime deficit with a strong fourth-quarter performance. The Rams' defense was pivotal, holding the Lions to just nine points in the final quarter.

This is the first time in recent memory that an eight seed has defeated a one seed in the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament. Another huge milestone was reached today as Kameryn Phillips passed Shwandrika Courtney to attempt the most free throws in a season in program history. The record was 212 and was set in the 2002-03 season and Phillips has eclipsed that with 213 and counting.

Texas Wesleyan started the first quarter by establishing momentum with a block by Sophia Hurtado at 9:43 followed by a score from Nala Richardson at 9:15 to tie the game at 2–2. Aniyah Sanford then helped the Rams to a brief lead with a 3-pointer at 7:08, assisted by Kennedy Holmes, bringing the score to 5–5. Hurtado's 3-pointer at 6:34, assisted by Sanford, gave the Rams an 8–5 lead, further showcasing their offensive efforts. Although the Lions managed to counter, Peyton Foster's 3-pointer at 1:59 helped Texas Wesleyan keep the score close. The quarter concluded with the Rams trailing 16–13.

Texas Wesleyan began the second quarter by narrowing the Lions' lead, highlighted by Hurtado's 3-pointer around the 5:08 mark. The team demonstrated solid defense with three steals, including a notable one by Jenae Moore, which helped maintain pressure on Langston. Despite the Lions' response with three 3-pointers, the Rams' offense managed to keep the game tight. Holmes contributed a crucial basket in the paint with 1:39 remaining, followed by Moore's successful 3-pointer, closing the gap further. The quarter concluded with the Lions leading narrowly, 31-27.

Texas Wesleyan opened the third quarter with momentum, as Richardson connected on a 3-pointer at 9:37, assisted by Hurtado, to narrow the gap. The visiting team maintained pressure, with Phillips scoring inside to keep the score close. Despite turnovers, the Rams' defense remained resilient, highlighted by Richardson's steal and subsequent basket, leveling the score at 34-34 midway through the quarter. Langston briefly pulled ahead with successful free throws and a 3-point play, but the Rams responded with Sanford's 3-pointer at 1:19, keeping the game tight. As the quarter concluded, the visitors trailed narrowly, 47-44, setting up a competitive final period.

Texas Wesleyan took control early in the fourth quarter with Phillips scoring a crucial basket in the paint at 6:22, tying the game at 47-47. Phillips continued to lead the charge, scoring another layup to put the Rams ahead 49-47. The Lions briefly regained the lead, but Richardson's two-pointer at 4:42 shifted the advantage back to Texas Wesleyan. As the quarter progressed, Richardson assisted Sanford's three-pointer at 1:42, closing the gap to 57-56. In the final minute, Phillips' layup and subsequent free throw at 0:30 sealed the lead for the Rams. The team added one more free throw to secure a 60-57 victory, closing the quarter on a 16-9 run.

Phillips led the Rams with 16 points, converting 6 of 7 free throws and adding six rebounds. Sanford scored 12 points, making all four of her 3-point attempts and recording two steals. Richardson contributed 12 points, collected seven rebounds, and registered four assists. Hurtado added six points and posted three blocks.

The Rams will face off with the number four seed College of the Ozarks tomorrow at 5:30pm with a trip to the Sooner Athletic Conference Tournamnet Final on the line.