OKLAHOMA CITY --- The Wayland Baptist Pioneers battled until the final horn on Wednesday night but came up just short in a hard-fought 79–73 road loss to the Oklahoma City Stars at Abe Lemons Arena.
Wayland Baptist showed resilience throughout the night, trimming a double-digit deficit in the second half and putting pressure on the Stars in the closing minutes. Despite the setback, the Pioneers displayed strong effort on both ends of the floor and refused to back down in a hostile environment.
After falling behind 41–30 at halftime, Wayland responded with an energized second-half performance. The Pioneers outscored Oklahoma City 43–38 over the final 20 minutes, sparked by improved ball movement and aggressive play in the paint.
Julian Perez opened the half with a three-pointer, setting the tone for a determined comeback.
Perez and
Brett Leach led the offensive charge with 15 points apiece. Perez was efficient from the field, knocking down 6-of-12 shots, while Leach provided a spark off the bench, hitting a pair of three-pointers and adding five rebounds.
Marcus Green also delivered a strong all-around performance with 13 points and eight rebounds, giving Wayland a steady presence inside.
Jordan Logan chipped in 11 points and provided key defensive stops, while
Jamari Lawrence added 10 points and a team-high seven assists, helping keep the Pioneers within striking distance late in the contest. Wayland's bench contributed 22 points, highlighting the team's depth and energy.
Defensively, the Pioneers forced 12 turnovers and recorded six blocks, including timely stops during their second-half surge.
Damonze Woods and Logan were active around the rim, helping limit Oklahoma City's opportunities inside during key stretches.
With just over two minutes remaining, Wayland cut the deficit to five at 72–67 and continued to apply pressure. Green and Logan scored late baskets to make it a one-possession game in the final minute, but Oklahoma City converted at the free-throw line to seal the outcome.
Wayland finished the night shooting 38.6 percent from the field and 29.6 percent from beyond the arc, while battling the Stars on the boards and in transition.
The Pioneers will look to bounce back in their final SAC road contest of the regular season when they travel to Bethany, Oklahoma on Saturday, February 14
th, for a showdown against Southwestern Christian. The game is scheduled to begin at 4:00 PM.
