PLAINVIEW --- Costly turnovers and missed free throws prove detrimental to
RV Wayland Baptist as they couldn't overcome #18 Nelson University on Thursday night, falling 94–86 inside the Hutch, snapping their eight game winning streak to open the 2025-2026 season.
The Pioneers (8–1, 3–1 SAC) trailed by as many as 19 in the second half but continued to punch back, trimming the margin to single digits in the closing minutes. However, Nelson's efficiency and ability to capitalize on Wayland turnovers ultimately proved too much to overcome.
Wayland played from behind much of the evening after Nelson opened the game strong and built an early 11–5 advantage. The Pioneers briefly surged ahead 21–18 following a
Colton Spencer three and later held a 33–31 lead with five minutes left in the first half. But a late Nelson run sent WBU into the break trailing 44–37.
The Lions only outscored the Pioneers 50-49 in the second half, but with a seven point lead at halftime, it was enough to hold off WBU and end their eight game winning streak to begin the season.
The most damaging stretch came near the 10-minute mark, when a handful of WBU miscues sparked a Nelson 18–3 run that pushed the deficit to 19.
The Pioneers were led tonight by
Marcus Green who finished with 20 points, four rebounds, and three steals.
Rico Yarbrough added 18 points and five rebounds, while
Chuks Ejiofor added 11 points off the bench.
The Pioneers will return to the floor on Saturday, December 6
th, when they host
RV Texas Wesleyan at 4:00 PM inside the Hutcherson Center.
