FORT WORTH, TX:  The Texas Wesleyan University men’s basketball team (7-6, 4-2 RRAC) knocked off one of the Red River Athletic Conference’s top teams when they defeated UT-Permian Basin (12-4, 7-2) 80-67 in the Sid Richardson Center on Monday.

The Rams used a complete team effort to defeat the Falcons.  All five Texas Wesleyan starters reached double-figures in scoring while the Rams held the Falcons to just 38% shooting on the game.  Texas Wesleyan also dominated the battle of the boards taking a 50-24 edge in that category.

The Rams used a 10-1 run to open a 21-11 lead midway through the first half.  With 2:00 to play in the half, Ben Hunt knocked down a three to give the Rams their largest lead of the game at 36-20, and Texas Wesleyan led 36-26 at the break.

The Rams maintained a double-digit lead until Marlo Saunders hit a three to cap an 8-1 run that brought the Falcons within three at 55-52.  The Rams did not panic and quickly pushed their lead back to seven points at 61-54 on a layup from Khayri McKinney.  In the final minute, the Rams hit each of their final eight free throws to slam the door shut on an 80-67 win.

“This was a team win,” said head coach Terry Waldrop.  “We prepared hard for this all week, and our big game experience paid off especially when they made their push.  They are one of the best teams in our league, but we have played against a lot of very good teams over the last two years.”

Scott Reasoner had an outstanding performance with 14 points and a career-high 15 rebounds.  Khayri McKinney led all scorers with 22 points to go with 6 assists.  Ben Hunt finished with 18, Nino Etienne added 12 points and 9 boards, and Evan Patterson recorded 10 points and 9 rebounds.  UTPB’s Nedrie Simmons led his team with 17 points while Mansour Mbye turned in a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

The Rams will return to the hardwood when they travel to Paul Quinn College on Thursday, January 19.  That game is scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. and will be preceded by a women’s game.