EDMOND, Okla. - Texas Wesleyan placed four players in double figures but couldn't hold a second-half lead as they fell to Oklahoma Christian, 90-80, Tuesday evening in their season opener.

     Texas Wesleyan led the game with 12 minutes remaining but could not hang on as Oklahoma Christian (2-0) took its second straight game to open the season.

     Texas Wesleyan was led by senior Vince Williams who totaled 22 points on 11-of-17 shooting with two blocked shots. Senior Tommy Johnson registered 19 points, which included five three-pointers and two steals. Juniors Brad Schilder and Kharyi McKinney tallied 17 points and 12 points respectively, while junior Ben Hunt led the Rams with seven rebounds.

     Oklahoma Christian was led by NAIA All-American Jerrod Merrill who totaled 25 points, while Brady Page chipped in with 16 points.

     Oklahoma Christian outrebounded Texas Wesleyan, 50-38, and had 24 offensive rebounds, which resulted in 25 second-chance points for the Eagles.

     "We need to rebound the basketball if we expect to beat teams of this caliber," Waldrop said. "We made some mental mistakes and that is what cost us the game."

     Texas Wesleyan shot 47 percent (33-71) from the floor and 56 percent (5-9) from the charity stripe. The Rams also shot 33 percent (9-27) from behind the arc.

     Oklahoma Christian shot 43 percent (35-81) from the field and 79 percent (15-19) from the free-throw line. The Eagles also shot 33 percent (5-15) from the three-point line.

     "We did do some positive things tonight," head coach Terry Waldrop said. "There is something to build on from this game."

     Texas Wesleyan will be back in action Monday when they host Dallas Diesel in an exhibition game. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Sid Richardson Gymnasium.