PILOTS TOP RAMS
November 17, 2005

SHREVEPORT, LA:  Last season, the Texas Wesleyan Men’s basketball team became one of just three teams since the beginning of the 2002-03 season to travel to Shreveport, LA, and defeat LSU-Shreveport.  The 15th ranked Rams (2-3) had their sights set on repeating that feat this season, but the 10th ranked Pilots (3-0) held on for an 85-75 win.

The Rams shot just 39% in the first half, and the Pilots jumped out to a 30-14 lead with just over ten minutes remaining before Texas Wesleyan could begin to turn things around.  The Rams then went on a 17-4 run capped by a three from Brad Schilder to close the margin to three points at 34-31.  The Rams later cut the lead to two points but trailed at the break for the first time this season, 42-37.  Their shooting improved to 43% in the second half, but the Rams could not overcome the deficit.

For the second game in a row, the Rams struggled to get to the free throw line.  LSU-Shreveport was whistled for just nine fouls during the contest.  The Rams were perfect at the line, going 4-for-4; however, the Pilots scored 10 points on 10-of-13 shooting from the line.

Ben Hunt turned in his first double-double of the season with 20 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Rams.  CJ Higginbotham poured in a career-high 16 points, and Khayri McKinney went for 16 as well.  LSU-Shreveport’s Kyle Blankenship scored a game-high 33 points while Josh Porter tallied 20 points for the Pilots.

The Rams will travel to Hammond, LA, on Saturday to take on Division I Southeastern Louisiana University in exhibition action.  That game is scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.  Their next official game is scheduled for December 3, when they will host Jarvis Christian College in RRAC action.