STREAK STOPPED AT 32
February 4, 2010

FORT WORTH, TX:  The 12th ranked Texas Wesleyan University men’s basketball team (16-6, 9-2 RRAC) saw its 32-game home court winning streak come to an end at the hands of Texas College (14-7, 9-3) on Thursday.  The Steers topped the Rams by a final score of 82-69.

With several key players battling flu-like symptoms, the Rams struggled to find any energy in the first half.  The Steers shot an even 50% from the field while hitting on 4-of-7 (57%) long range shots and led 40-31 at halftime.

The Rams fell behind by as many as 15, 55-40, before finally making a move.  Jeremy Smith and Brian Wanamaker each scored six points during a 12-2 run that cut the margin to five points (57-52) with 8:48 to play.

The Rams cut the margin down to three points at 63-60 with 4:56 on the clock, but the Steers were up to the challenge.  Texas College grabbed the momentum on their next possession when Jamel White fouled Jacobie Bias who then took a step and made a layup.  The officials counted Bias’ basket.  Bias converted the three-point play and White departed the contest with his fifth infraction.

Two Texas Wesleyan turnovers and a missed shot later, Texas College’s lead had swelled to 72-60.  The Rams cut the margin to eight at 76-68, but could get no closer, and Texas College went on to the 82-69 win.

The loss snapped Texas Wesleyan’s school-record 32-game home court winning streak.  The Rams had not lost a game at the Sid Richardson Center since falling to Jarvis Christian College, 66-61, on January 28, 2008.

Smith led all scorers with 26 points.  Wanamaker added 15 points and eight rebounds, while White finished with 10.  Trey Manning and Tajhi Fullwood led the Steers with 16 points apiece.

Texas College scored 22 points off of 16 Texas Wesleyan turnovers, while the Rams scored just three points off of eight turnovers.  The Steers also outscored the Rams 42-30 in the paint and 20-11 on second chance opportunities.

With nine games to play, the Rams are now in a tie for first place in the RRAC standings at 9-2.  Texas Wesleyan will return to action on Saturday, when they host Paul Quinn College.  That game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start in the Sid Richardson Center.