Box Score ODESSA, Texas --- Isaiah Jackson scored 29 points and George Williams added 23 in a 92-86 Wayland Baptist win over the University of Texas-Permian Basin on the road Saturday afternoon.
"I'm proud of the guys for getting a tough road win today," said WBU head coach Matt Garnett. "We had several guys step up and make big hustle plays at key moments."
The Pioneers have shot 62 percent from the field in their last two games, both wins, averaging 88 points. In their 85-22 victory on Tuesday over West Coast Baptist College, six WBU men scored in double figures, led by TJ Jacobs and Jackson with 13 each, and the team hit 59 percent of their shots, 64 percent in the second half.
That hot shooting carried over into Saturday, when Wayland made good on 18 of its first 26 shots (69 percent) to take a 43-36 lead at the break. The Pioneers finished the game at 67 percent. Individually, Jackson was 11-of-14 from the field, while Williams went 10-of-14.
"Offensively, we shared the basketball well and our execution has improved," Garnett added, "and our play without a ball in our hand was better."
Jacobs got another 13 points against UTPB, including six on treys, and handed out six assists. Bobby Watkins hit the double figure mark in scoring as well with 10 points. Point guard Jamie Eisinger led the team with seven assists.
Wayland outscored its opponent 46-38 in the paint and won the battle of the boards 28-18. Jackson had a game-high nine rebounds.
The Falcons also shot well in the contest, particularly from the three-point line where they went 8-for-16. Elijah Jordan was the leading scorer with 17 points.
Garnett said that his team still has some mistakes that they must address before opening up against conference this coming week.
"We have to take a closer look at our mistakes, especially on the defensive end, and improve in practice this week as we prepare for our conference opener. As a team we are taking steps in the right direction, but still have a long way to go."
The Pioneers conclude their nonconference schedule with a 5-2 record. They open Sooner Athletic Conference play on Thursday at #11 Rogers State University.
