Plainview, Texas –
Quentin Coleman scored 18 points including a massive 3-pointer down the stretch to lead the Pioneers to victory over Central Christian College (7-9, 4-6 SAC) Thursday night at the Hutch.
RV Wayland Baptist (13-4, 8-3 SAC) went down 10-3 early on, but a bucket by
Meikkel Murray and two shots including a 3-pointer by
Bol Tong tied the game up at 10 just five minutes into the game. After a converted and-one by Central Christian made the score 13-10 in favor of the Tigers, the Pioneers executed a 12-0 run capped off by a
Tahjae Hill layup to take a 22-13 lead with just over eleven minutes until the halftime break.
The Tigers were able to trim their deficit to two points with just under eight minutes until the half, but Hill knocked down a 3-pointer and Coleman attacked the bucket for a layup to give the Pioneers a 7-point advantage. With just over three minutes until the halftime break and the Pioneers leading 39-34,
Jaxon Recer was able to attack the lane and drop a beautiful bounce pass to a cutting Murray for a two-handed slam over a Tiger defender. A
Linton Brown layup gave the Pioneers a 43-36 lead heading into the intermission.
After the Tigers converted two free throw attempts to cut the lead down to 53-50, Tong was able to knock down a mid-range jumper off the dish from Hill to give the Pioneers a 55-50 lead just over five minutes into the half. The Tigers wouldn't shy away after a jumper and four successful free throws gave them a 67-65 lead over the Pioneers with just over ten minutes remaining in regulation.
With just over five minutes remaining in regulation, the Tigers were on the verge of putting the Pioneers away after they hit a 3-pointer to give them a 78-71 lead. However, the Pioneers converted a 6-0 run started by a Coleman 3-point make and two successful free throws from Recer to cut the deficit down to one point. With just under two minutes left in regulation and the Pioneers trailing 79-77, Coleman crossed over the Tiger defender and knocked down a clutch 3-pointer to give the Wayland Baptist an 80-79 lead.
Brett Leach was able to force the Tigers into a huge turnover with just over a minute remaining. With about 30 seconds left in regulation, Coleman attempted a 3-pointer that rattled out, but
Jaxon Recer was able to clean it up for the clutch putback layup to give the Pioneers a three-point advantage. The Tigers came down and missed a go-ahead 3-pointer with four seconds remaining. Coleman was able to clean up the defensive glass and made both clutch free throws after being fouled to seal the game for the Pioneers. Wayland Baptist went on to win the close contest 85-81 to secure another home Sooner Athletic Conference win.
Quentin Coleman finished with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Bol Tong added 11 points and 5 rebounds in 16 minutes off the bench.
Linton Brown scored 13 points and grabbed 5 rebounds.
Tahjae Hill added 10 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Meikkel Murray scored 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds.
The RV Wayland Baptist Pioneers have their sights set on the 2
nd ranked Langston Lions (16-0, 10-0 SAC) as they will matchup Saturday afternoon at the Hutcherson Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM.
