Fort Worth, Texas –
Linton Brown went for 27 points,
D'Michael Bellfield tacked on 12 points, and
Quentin Coleman added 13 points off the bench as the 23
rd ranked Pioneers traveled to Fort Worth and knocked off the Rams of Texas Wesleyan (4-9, 2-5 SAC) 69-62.
The first half was a tough battle for Wayland Baptist (10-3, 5-2 SAC) as they traded buckets with the Rams for the majority of the half. After a layup gave the Rams a 19-18 lead with just under four minutes remaining in the half, Brown converted a four-point play by knocking down a corner 3-point shot plus the foul, giving the Pioneers a 22-19 lead. Buckets by Coleman and
Jaxon Recer at the end of the half propelled the Pioneers to a 34-26 halftime lead.
The Pioneer defense forced 4 early turnovers resulting in steals giving them a 45-31 lead with just over fifteen minutes remaining in regulation. The Rams cut the lead down to 9 points, but an offensive rebound by
Tahjae Hill resulted in a Recer slam dunk giving the Pioneers the momentum.
Linton Brown hit a 3-pointer the following possession giving the Pioneers a 50-36 lead and forcing the Rams to take a timeout. The Rams were able to battle back and cut the lead to 65-62 with just over a minute remaining in the game, but Coleman hit a massive 3-pointer that would end up being the dagger as the Pioneers took a 68-62 lead with 30 seconds remaining. Wayland Baptist won the game 69-62 making it a Sooner Athletic Conference road weekend sweep.
Linton Brown finished with 27 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals while knocking down 3 3-pointers.
D'Michael Bellfield finished with 12 points, 7 rebounds including 5 offensive rebounds, and shot 60% from the field on 10 shot attempts.
Quentin Coleman added 13 points and 2 rebounds off the bench.
Jaxon Recer scored 6 points and grabbed 6 boards while shooting 3-3 from the field.
Brett Leach grabbed 12 crucial rebounds for the Pioneers.
Up next for the 23
rd ranked Pioneers is a return home to face RV Southwestern Assemblies of God University (9-4, 5-2 SAC). Tip is set for Thursday, January 11
th at 7:45 PM at the Hutch.
