RAMS BITE LIONS, 64-63
January 16, 2007

Box Score

FORT WORTH, TX:  The Texas Wesleyan University men’s basketball team (12-6) remained unbeaten in Red River Athletic Conference play at 5-0 by edging Langston University (6-7, 2-3) 64-63 in the Sid Richardson Center.

In typical Texas Wesleyan vs. Langston fashion, the game was intense from the opening tip.  Five technical fouls were dolled out as the officiating crew did a good job of maintaining control of a game that saw eight ties and 11 lead changes.

Just over eight minutes into the contest offsetting technical fouls were called on both coaches.  Lions head coach Gregg Webb was then ejected as his verbal tirade cost him a second tech.  Fred Eshon calmly knocked down both free throws to give the Rams a four-point advantage at 20-16.

Later in the half, Langston used a layup from Meshon Lewis and a three from John Hollman to tie the game at 32.  After a Texas Wesleyan turnover, Meshon got a fast break dunk and converted the three point play to put his team on top 35-32, however Texas Wesleyan closed out the half with a pair of layups from Dalane Finley to lead 36-35 at the break.

Early in the second half, the Lions used a 9-0 run to open a double-digit lead at 53-43.  With nine minutes to play Langston’s lead remained 10-points, but Texas Wesleyan’s zone defense held the Lions to just one bucket over the next six minutes and 24 seconds.  Meanwhile the Rams rattled off an 11-2 run capped by a tip-in from Dane Dmitrovic that made it a one-point contest at 59-58.

With 1:14 to play the Rams trailed by three, 63-60.  Aaron Scott scored to make it a one-point game entering the final minute of play.  The Rams forced a turnover with 24 seconds on the clock, and head coach Terry Waldrop called a timeout to set up a play for the win.  With five seconds to go, Eshon drove into the lane and was fouled.  After a Langston timeout, Eshon buried both free throws, and the Rams held on for the 64-63 win.

“This was a typical Texas Wesleyan, Langston game,” Waldrop commented.  “Our last several games have gone down to the last possession.  I don’t know if we have a more fierce rivalry in the Red River.  Our kids showed me something tonight in their ability to come back.  This team is growing up and they got a very satisfying win tonight.”

Dmitrovic turned in an outstanding effort with his fifth double-double of the season, scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.  Hector Mukweyi nearly had a double-double himself with nine points and 11 boards.  Kennith Gober and Aaron Scott each added 10 points.

Lewis finished with a game-high 19 points for Langston.

The Rams return to action on Monday, January 21, when they travel to Austin, TX, to take on Huston-Tillotson University.  That RRAC contest is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. start.