PLAINVIEW --- For 20 minutes, Wayland Baptist looked every bit in control. The Pioneers defended, rebounded, and hit timely shots to take a 29–27 lead into halftime. But after the break, visiting Texas Wesleyan erupted offensively, and the Flying Rams' blistering second-half shooting proved too much as Wayland fell 83–66 Friday afternoon inside the Hutch.
Wayland drops to 8–2 overall and 3–2 in SAC play, while Texas Wesleyan improves to 6–3, 3–2.
The Pioneers leaned on balanced scoring and tough defense to control most of the opening period.
Freshman guard
Jordan Logan provided a spark off the bench, finishing the half with 5 points including a deep three at the buzzer to give Wayland the two-point lead.
Starters
Marcus Green (4 points, 5 rebounds) and
Damonze Woods (5 points) battled inside, while Daniel Oravbiere owned the glass early with 6 first-half rebounds. WBU held the Rams to just 32% shooting and only one made three before halftime, forcing eight turnovers to stay in front.
Wayland's defense also kept Texas Wesleyan standout Matt Nero in check for stretches, though the guard still managed 14 first-half points.
After the break, the momentum shifted dramatically.
Texas Wesleyan caught fire, shooting an astonishing 66.7% from the field and 6-of-9 from three over the final 20 minutes. Guard Khalil Turner was unstoppable, scoring 19 second-half points and finishing with 21. Nero added 11 after the break to cap a 25-point night.
Wayland struggled to match the Rams' offensive burst, shooting just 39% in the second half. Though the Pioneers continued to get solid bench production—Logan added 10 more after the break to finish with a team-high 15 points, and
Brett Leach contributed 12—the Rams consistently answered with big buckets that prevented any WBU run.
Rebounding also became a factor, with Texas Wesleyan finishing with a 51–35 advantage on the glass, including 18 offensive boards that turned into 21 second-chance points.
WBU's foul trouble and technicals compounded the challenge, giving the Rams additional free-throw opportunities during key stretches.
Pioneer Standouts
- Jordan Logan – 15 points, 4 rebounds, 7-of-9 FG
Electric off the bench, carrying the scoring load in both halves.
- Marcus Green – 11 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals
Played with energy on both ends and knocked down key shots in the second half.
- Brett Leach – 12 points, 3 assists, 6-of-6 FT
Reliable scoring and playmaking throughout the night.
- Chuks Ejiofor – 7 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals
Gave WBU valuable minutes defensively and on the glass.
Wayland's bench outscored Texas Wesleyan's 34–8, a bright spot on an otherwise tough shooting night.
Turnovers (15), fouls, and rebounding swings will surely be focal points heading into next week.
Wayland Baptist looks to bounce back as SAC play continues. With the Pioneers off to a strong 8–2 start and showing significant depth, this group has proven it can respond.
The next opportunity comes on the road, where WBU will take on #5 Langston in Langston, Oklahoma on Thursday, December 11
th at 8:00 PM.
