STREAK REACHES 30
January 18, 2010

FORT WORTH, TX:  The 10th ranked Texas Wesleyan University men’s basketball team (13-4, 6-0 RRAC) ran its home court winning streak to 30 consecutive games with a 92-80 win over the University of the Southwest (5-7, 3-2) on Monday.

The Rams, who last lost on their home floor on January 28, 2008, came out firing against the Mustangs.  A three from Terrell Henry gave the Rams their largest lead of the game at 26-7 with 10:44 on the clock.

USW head coach Jerry Voight called a timeout and his Mustangs responded with a 16-2 run to get right back in the game at 28-23.  The Rams quickly regained command as a Jeremy Smith three-pointer capped an 11-1 run, and Texas Wesleyan went on to lead 46-37 at halftime.

In the second half the Mustangs cut the lead to two points at 50-48, but Jamel White hit one-of-two at the line and then knocked down a triple to stretch the lead to six points.  USW got within three points several times in the game’s final ten minutes, but every time Texas Wesleyan answered with a bucket on their next possession.

After a layup from Aaron King brought the score to 84-78, the Rams pulled away in the final two minutes to post the 92-80 victory.

On the game, Texas Wesleyan shot an even 50% (31-62) from the floor and 40% (6-15) from long range while the Mustangs hit at a 45% clip.  The Rams dominated the glass 47-34 and outscored the Mustangs’ bench 37-12.

“We have had an emotional couple of days,” commented head coach Terry Waldrop.  “It was good to get back on the floor and compete against a team that is going to win a lot of games in this league.  We played through some foul trouble that we have not had all year, but our bench really stepped up and gave us some big minutes.”

Brian Wanamaker was a perfect 10-for-10 at the free throw line (just one shy of a school record) and finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.  Hector Mukwey had a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds in the first half and finished with 16 points and 12 boards.  Jamel White added 23 points to the win.

Louis Benson led the Mustangs with 24 points, while King finished with 21 and Demetrius Evans finished with 12 points.

The Rams will return to action on Saturday, when they host Jarvis Christian College.  Texas Wesleyan will host their Ramin’ Slammin’ Tailgate Party prior to the women’s game which is scheduled for a 5:30 p.m. start with the men’s game to follow at 7:30 p.m.