RAMS RALLY TO BEAT WILDCATS
January 30, 2006

MARSHALL, TX:  The Texas Wesleyan University men’s basketball team (12-6, 9-2 RRAC) continued its current roll with an 81-71 come-from-behind win at Wiley College on Monday.  The game marked the Rams eighth consecutive victory, giving them the school’s longest winning-streak since the 1987-88 team won nine straight.

The Rams jumped ahead 20-10 in the first half, but Wiley chipped away and took a 33-32 lead with 2:31 on the clock.  In the final two minutes, the Wildcats outscored the Rams 9-2 to take a 42-34 lead at the break.

In the second half, the Wildcats led by as many as 14 at 53-39, but Texas Wesleyan used a 14-2 run to tie the game at 57 with 10:22 on the clock.  With just over five minutes to play, Brad Schilder, Ben Hunt, and Khayri McKinney hit consecutive three-pointers to give Texas Wesleyan a 67-63 lead. 

The game reached its sixth tie at 71 with 3:02 remaining.  Hunt then drained another three, and after a Wildcat turnover, McKinney hit a lay up to put the Rams on top by five.  The Rams converted five free throws in the final 1:30 for the 81-71 final score.

“There is just something about this team,” said head coach Terry Waldrop.  “These kids have played in so many big games, they just know how to win.”

Wiley out shot Texas Wesleyan 48%-42%, but the Rams dominated the boards, taking a 49-26 margin in that category.

The Rams continued to spread the offense around, placing four players in double-figures for the sixth consecutive game.  Ben Hunt led the way with 18 points.  Evan Patterson finished with 16 points, while Khayri McKinney added 13 and Nino Etienne recorded 11.  Michael Smith led the Wildcats with 18 points.

Texas Wesleyan returns to the hardwood on Thursday when they travel to Tyler, TX, to take on Texas College in Red River Athletic Conference action.  That game is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. and will be preceded by a women’s game.