Complete Box Score

FORT WORTH, Texas - The Texas Wesleyan men’s basketball team returned from the Christmas break today to face Concordia University and continued their impressive play. Led by Marcus Johnson and James Whitfield, the Rams set a new season high in scoring, easily defeating the Tornados 98-75.

Both teams opened the first half a bit shaky, committing silly turnovers and misfiring from the field. With two minutes gone by, Concordia’s Joseph Garmon hit a three pointer to give the Tornados a brief 5-4 lead, but the Rams’ outside shooters quickly heated up. Whitfield and Aaron Whaley each nailed a pair of long-range jumpers, and Johnson began to drive successfully to the basket as Wesleyan opened up a double-digit lead after ten minutes.

The Rams also played great defense in the half, blocking seven shots and often limiting Concordia to tough looks at the basket. The Tornados shot just 45 percent from the floor in the frame, and made only one of seven three point attempts. The Rams shot only slightly better (49 percent) but dominated the offensive glass to post 12 second chance points. They went into halftime up 40-27.

The pace of the game increased dramatically in the second half, as both teams came out running. Marcus Johnson and Joey Gladney continued to drive to the basket and Whitfield’s jumper remained on-target for the Rams, who quickly extended their lead past twenty points. Justin Taylor and George Freeman sparked a brief rally for the Tornados, who closed the gap to 15 with eight minutes remaining, but that was as close as they would get.

The Rams continued their rebounding dominance, and behind a Whitfield three-pointer and several free throws from Johnson, they pushed the lead up to 28 as the clocked rolled under three minutes. A pair of late three-pointer from Concordia brought the final score to 98-75.

The Rams had five players score in double figures, led by Marcus Johnson’s 30. Whitfield was right behind him with 29, and Gladney, starting the game due to the absence of junior David Johnson, scored 14. Whaley and Schilder had ten points apiece. Gladney led all players with nine rebounds, and Johnson and Whitfield each had four steals.

For Concordia, Garmon and Johnson each scored 12, and Taylor had ten points. The Tornados drop to 1-8 on the season.

The Rams improve to 11-2 for the year, and will return to action this weekend at the Sleep Inn Classic hosted by Oklahoma Christian University in Oklahoma City. Wesleyan plays 7-3 Oklahoma Christian on Friday night, then will square off against 8-3 Southern Nazarene on Saturday.