OKLAHOMA CITY — Texas Wesleyan (10-14, 6-12) defeated Oklahoma City (8-16, 4-14), 68-57, with a commanding performance in the paint, outscoring the hosts 30-16. The Rams also secured a strong rebounding advantage, totaling 45 boards to the Stars' 33.
Texas Wesleyan took control early in the first quarter, setting the tone with effective scoring in the paint.
Nala Richardson opened the scoring with a basket, and
Kameryn Phillips added a key defensive stop with a steal. The team maintained momentum with strong defensive plays, including three blocks and two steals.
Kennedy Holmes contributed significantly by scoring and securing defensive rebounds. Phillips further extended the lead with a late basket, assisted by Richardson. The quarter closed with a 3-pointer from
Jenae Moore, assisted by
Aniyah Sanford, giving the Rams a 19–11 lead over the Stars.
Texas Wesleyan began the second quarter by maintaining a narrow lead despite a scoring surge from Oklahoma City. Richardson contributed significantly with a basket at 6:18, followed by another crucial two-pointer with 1:20 remaining, keeping the team ahead.
Sophia Hurtado bolstered the defense with two blocks during the quarter, aiding in limiting the Stars' scoring opportunities. As the quarter approached its end, Texas Wesleyan held onto their lead with Richardson's three-pointer at the buzzer, closing the quarter with a 28–23 advantage. Despite Oklahoma City's attempts to close the gap, the Rams' defensive resilience and timely scoring ensured they stayed ahead going into the next quarter.
Texas Wesleyan extended its lead in the third quarter with a strong offensive display, highlighted by Hurtado's two 3-point shots early in the quarter. The team capitalized on the Stars' turnovers, scoring crucial points off of opponent mistakes. Sanford contributed significantly with assists, bolstering the team's momentum. Richardson was effective from the free-throw line, maintaining the scoring advantage. With a balanced attack, Texas Wesleyan closed the quarter by outscoring Oklahoma City 22-15, holding a 50-38 lead going into the final quarter.
Texas Wesleyan began the fourth quarter with a strong presence inside, scoring 10 points in the paint. Richardson set the tone early with a basket at 9:46, extending their lead. Phillips contributed with key offensive rebounds and a putback to maintain momentum. Despite the Stars responding with three-pointers, the Rams' defense held firm, limiting second-chance points. As the quarter progressed, Texas Wesleyan maintained their lead, with Richardson adding a crucial three-pointer at 5:25. Sanford's assist to Hurtado for a three-pointer at 2:20 further solidified their position. Oklahoma City attempted a rally, but the Rams' defensive stops and free throws in the closing minutes secured the outcome. The quarter concluded with Texas Wesleyan narrowly outscored 19-18, but they held on for a 68-57 final score.
Richardson scored 28 points, converting 10 of 19 field goals, including 3 of 7 from beyond the arc, and added 10 rebounds to her performance. Phillips contributed with 14 points and gathered 13 rebounds while blocking two shots. Sanford facilitated the offense with six assists and collected six rebounds. Holmes added 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting from the field.
The Rams return home next week as they take on University of Science and Arts inside the Sid Richardson Center on Thursday, February 12 at 6pm for the final home game of the season.
