FT. WORTH, Texas -- Finally featuring a full lineup, unlike the teams' last meeting in January, the Golden Eagles hoped to salvage a split on its Texas roadtrip, but shot only 32 percent from the floor as Texas Wesleyan took a 69-58 decision on Saturday (Feb. 13) afternoon inside the Sid Richardson Center.
After taking a 5-2 lead early in the contest, the Golden Eagles (5-6, 5-6 Sooner Athletic) hit a 1-of-11 slump from the field while the hosts rallied on an 18-4 run and pulled away for good.
Senior Densier Carnes netted a game-high 21 points, 11 coming at the stripe, while junior Luke Harper added 13 points. Sophomore DJ Ellis came off the bench to provide 10 in the setback.
"Our effort defensively was so much better today than last night," head coach Jason Beschta admitted. "Wesleyan has such a potent offense, and we were able to keep the game more low-scoring. However, after shooting the ball so well last night, we struggled to make shots tonight.
"When you look at our effort defensively and see how we were able to really limit some of their better scores, including holding Bradford him to zero points and five turnovers – and he is one of the best offense of players in the league. I love the mindset of our guys after the game really understanding what needs to be done for us to continue to take steps and improve, as well as taking responsibility for things we need to do better."
JBU finished the contest 19-of-60 from the field (32 percent) and struggled from behind the arc, connecting on just 6-of-32. The Rams also won the battle on the glass, 41-31, and converted 11 offensive boards into 12 second-chance points.
Peyton Sallee and Sebastian Karwoski each poured in 14 points to pace Wesleyan (10-4, 6-4), while Elijah Elliott came off the bench to contribute 13 in the Rams' effort to end a two-game losing skid.
JBU will return to action on Tuesday (Feb. 16) evening, hosting No. 12 Science & Arts (Okla.) in a 6:30 p.m. tip off. The matchup is slated to air on the SAC Sports Network.
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