Pioneers Erupt in Second Half to Take Down Bobcats for 7th Straight Win

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. --- A tight first half turned into a statement victory Saturday afternoon as (RV) Wayland Baptist powered past College of the Ozarks, 89–64, at Keeter Gym. With the win, the Pioneers improve to 7–0 overall and 2–0 in Sooner Athletic Conference play.

After taking a narrow 33–31 lead into the break, Wayland Baptist erupted for 56 second-half points, showcasing improved efficiency, relentless rebounding, and stifling defensive pressure. The Pioneers shot 56.4% from the field and 45.5% from three in the final 20 minutes while holding the Bobcats to just 33 points.

Forward Rico Yarbrough delivered one of his best performances of the season, posting a 16-point, 12-rebound double-double. His physical presence inside anchored WBU's 41–23 rebounding advantage and created second-chance scoring opportunities that helped break the game open.

Wayland's balanced offensive attack once again proved difficult to contain, with five Pioneers reaching double figures:

• Brett Leach – 15 points, including three second-half triples
• Marcus Green – 12 points, perfect 3-of-3 shooting after halftime
• Damonze Woods – 12 points, efficient 6-of-8 from the field
• Dylan McDougal – 10 points, hitting key early threes
• Rico Yarbrough – 16 points, plus 12 boards

WBU's bench contributed a robust 36 points, compared to just 15 from the Bobcats.

The Pioneers forced 20 turnovers, turning them into 20 points—a key factor in pushing the lead to as many as 27 late in the second half. Multiple defensive stands in the early minutes after halftime sparked a 12–3 Wayland run that gave the Pioneers full control.

Rebounding was another major separator, with WBU grabbing 17 offensive boards, leading to 22 second-chance points.

From the 10-minute mark forward, Wayland methodically stretched the margin. Leach buried back-to-back threes, Woods powered in multiple finishes at the rim, and Green continued attacking downhill. Jordan Logan added energy and physicality, finishing with nine rebounds and two assists, including a highlight-reel putback dunk midway through the half.

WBU scored on five straight possessions down the stretch, culminating in Leach drilling his fourth three of the night to punctuate the blowout.

The Pioneers return to action on Tuesday, November 24^th, when they head to Goodwell, Oklahoma for another Sooner Athletic Conference showdown with the Aggies of Oklahoma Panhandle State University. The game is scheduled to start at approximately 8:00 PM.