Plainview, Texas –
D'Michael Bellfield notched a double-double and
Quentin Coleman added 15 points as the Pioneers took care of business at home against Texas Wesleyan University (9-14, 7-10 SAC) to move into a four-way tie for second place in the Sooner Athletic Conference Standings with five games to go.
Wayland Baptist (17-6, 12-5 SAC) started quick in the contest tonight by going on a 9-2 run with Bellfield scoring 6 of the 9 points. The Pioneers were able to take a 13-6 lead just over seven minutes into the game after
Tahjae Hill cleaned up the offensive glass for a layup. The Pioneers extended their lead to 9-points after Bellfield followed a missed jumper for a tip in bucket to make it an 18-9 advantage nearly nine minutes into the half.
The Rams were able to battle back and tie the game at 19 with just over six minutes until the halftime break. For the remainder of the half, the Pioneers outscored the Rams 16-6 started by a Coleman 3-pointer and capped off by a
Jahvonta Jones putback layup just before the buzzer sounded.
Rodney Carson Jr. was able to finish with 5 out of the 16 points on the Pioneer run including a smooth mid-range jumper off the bounce. The halftime score was 35-25 in favor of the Pioneers.
Coming out of the half, Coleman scored 5 of the Pioneers first 7 points including a 3-pointer off the dish from Hill the put the Pioneers ahead by 14 points. The Pioneers then extended their lead to their largest of the game at 19-points after the Rams were whistled for a technical foul and Coleman drilled another 3-pointer. With just under ten minutes remaining in regulation and the Pioneers up 53-43, Hill was able to attack and find a cutting
Bol Tong for a successful and-one conversion to make it a 13-point lead. With four minutes until the end of regulation, Carson Jr. found room to slash to the paint and take a Bellfield pass up for a layup to make the Pioneer lead up to 64-49. The Pioneers took care of business from the free throw line down the stretch and took home a 74-61 Sooner Athletic Conference and extend their winning streak up to four-games.
D'Michael Bellfield finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and shot 7-12 from the floor.
Quentin Coleman added 15 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and shot 3-7 from 3-point range.
Tahjae Hill contributed 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists.
The Pioneers are in a four-way tie for second place with RV University of Science and Arts (Okla.), Mid-America Christian University (Okla.), and RV SAGU. 2
nd ranked Langston holds steady as the first-place team in the conference.
The Pioneers will look to extend their four-game winning streak as they take on the RV University of Science and Arts (Okla.) (17-6, 12-5 SAC) on Senior Day at the Hutch. Tip is set for Saturday afternoon at 4:00 PM.
