PLAINVIEW --- Wayland Baptist put together a strong second-half effort Thursday night as the Pioneers leaned on key performances from across the lineup to earn an 88–85 home win over Southwestern Christian at the Hutcherson Center.
After going into halftime trailing 43–38, Wayland responded with improved execution on both ends of the floor, scoring 50 points in the second half to move to 12–4 overall and 6–4 in conference play.
Rico Yarbrough led the charge for the Pioneers, finishing with a team-high 29 points and 11 rebounds. The junior was a constant presence in the paint, using his strength to score inside and his activity on the glass to give Wayland extra possessions. Yarbrough's work around the rim helped fuel Wayland's 46 points in the paint on the night.
Jamari Lawrence provided a strong all-around performance, totaling 21 points, four assists and four steals. Lawrence repeatedly attacked off the dribble and delivered in key moments late, knocking down clutch free throws to help close out the game as Southwestern Christian made a final push.
Wayland also received important contributions from its supporting cast.
Chuks Ejiofor came off the bench to score 14 points and grab six rebounds, giving the Pioneers valuable production inside during critical stretches of the second half.
Dylan McDougal chipped in seven points and three assists.
Defensively, the Pioneers forced 16 turnovers, converting them into 21 points, a key factor in swinging momentum after halftime. Wayland also showed composure at the free-throw line in the second half, shooting 72 percent to keep the Eagles at bay.
Despite trailing 82-68 with just over five minutes remaining in the game, Wayland Baptist stayed poised and picked up their energy, using defensive stops and strong attacks to complete the comeback and secure the three-point victory in front of the home crowd.
The Pioneers take the court again on Saturday, January 17
th, when they host another tough Sooner Athletic Conference foe,
RV Oklahoma City University. The game is scheduled to begin at approximately 4:00 PM in the Hutcherson Center.
