Compromised roster catches up with Pioneers

After an inspired effort Thursday in a close loss to Science & Arts of Oklahoma, the Wayland Baptist Pioneers' COVID-compromised roster caught up with them Saturday afternoon at Hutcherson Center as Texas Wesleyan stormed to an 80-51 Sooner Athletic Conference victory.
 
With only eight available players, Wayland (7-9, 3-6) never led, falling behind 9-2 then trailing by 23 points, 42-19, late in the first half. The margin stayed in that range until the Rams (14-3, 6-2 SAC) – ranked the equivalent of 39^th in the NAIA – expanded their lead to 32 with 5½ minutes left.
 
The Pioneers struggled offensively, shooting just 30 percent (19-of-64) from the field including 17 percent (3-of-18) from 3-point range. Wayland did make 10-of-12 free throws (83 percent); TXWES also missed just two foul shots, 11-of-13.
 
The 51 points were the fewest for the Pioneers in two years, since a 97-50 loss to Texas Wesleyan in Fort Worth on Jan. 4, 2020.
 
Dylan McDougal led WBU with 18 points, with Javorian Miller the only Pioneers in double figures with 11, along with five rebounds and five assist. Jibrael Washington pulled down 10 rebounds and blocked six shots.
 
TXWES got 22 points, 15 rebounds, five blocks, four steals and three assists in 27 minutes from 6-foot-10 Kristan Lafayette, who went 8-of-8 from the field including four 3s. Akili Vining tacked on 16 points and Peyton Sallee 13.
 
Oddly, Wayland got points from eight players while only seven Rams scored. The game featured 17 blocks (nine for TXWES, eight for WBU).
 
The Pioneers will look to snap a four-game losing skid (including two forfeit losses) when they head to Dallas to take on SAC newcomer North Texas at Dallas (7-9, 3-6) at 8 p.m. Thursday. WBU then meets No. 6 Southwestern Assemblies of God (11-3, 8-1) at 4 p.m. Saturday in Waxahachie. The team's next home game is Tuesday, Jan. 18 against Oklahoma-Panhandle St. (7-7, 4-5).