FORT WORTH, TX:  Dion Rogers poured in a career-high 33 points as the 12th ranked Texas Wesleyan University men's basketball team (16-3, 6-2 SAC) scored a 98-76 win over 8th ranked Oklahoma City University (13-5, 4-4 SAC) to retain a share of first place in the Sooner Athletic Conference on Saturday.
 
The first half was tight, but the Rams closed with a flurry.  In the last four minutes, the Rams outscored the Stars 15-1 to storm into the locker room with a healthy 48-33 advantage.  Dion Rogers and Ryan Harris combined for 12 points during the run that was capped off by a three from Naiel Smith.
  Oklahoma City dominated the glass 30-21 in the first half, but Wesleyan's defense held the Stars to just 29% shooting from the floor.  Meanwhile on the offensive end, the Rams shot 43% from the floor and 50% (7-14) from long range.
 
The second half was all Texas Wesleyan as the Rams shored up their rebounding effort while ramping up their offense to 51.5% shooting from the floor and hitting another 7-of-14 from beyond the arc.
 
Oklahoma City closed the gap to 48-41 at the start of the second half, but Texas Wesleyan's next four possessions featured a three from Jeremy Crane, two three's from Dion Rogers, and a slam from Najeal Young to extend the margin to 59-46.  The Rams never looked back, and won by the largest margin of the night at 98-76 (22 points).
 
Rogers notched his third 30+ point game of the season, putting up 21 in the second half alone.  For the day, he was 10-of-20 from the field, 6-of-11 from long range and 7-of-9 at the free throw line.  He also added five rebounds, three assists, and two steals to his 33-point effort.
 
Rogers paced four Rams in double-figure scoring.  Trevon Jeffery carded his fifth consecutive double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.  Najeal Young finished with 15 points, and Ryan Harris came off the bench to contribute 14 points.
 
For the game, the Rams outshot the Stars 48%-36% from the floor and 50%-35% from distance.  OCU held a slim 46-42 rebounding margin.  Texas Wesleyan's defense forced 17 turnovers and converted that into a 25-9 advantage in points off of turnovers.
 
The Stars were led by Lou Dunbar's 22 points.  Xavier Smith posted a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.  Walter Ricket added 14 points and Elijah Christman finished with 13.
 
The Rams are currently tied atop the SAC standings with Southwestern Assemblies of God University at 6-1.  Those two teams will meet in Waxahachie on Thursday with first place on the line.  That game is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. start in SAGU's Schaeffer Center.
 
Ramblings

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- Saturday's game ended a streak of five consecutive games with five Texas Wesleyan players reaching double-figures in scoring.
 
- Oklahoma City now leads the all-time series with Texas Wesleyan 12-11, while Texas Wesleyan moved back to .500 (32-32) all-time in SAC play.
 
- The Rams have dominated the all-time series with SAGU 26-9, although the Lions have won 7 of the last 10.
 
- Trevon Jeffery is now averaging 12.6 points and 10.6 rebounds in eight SAC contests.
 
- Naiel Smith leads the NAIA with 160 assists and 8.89 assists per game.  His assist to turnover ratio in conference play is at 12/1.
 
- Texas Wesleyan has won 24 of its last 26 home games.