Chaps Can't Rally Past Rams

FORT WORTH, Texas (November 21, 2011) - No.10 Texas Wesleyan University was held without a field goal for the final 5:47 and Lubbock Christian University came close to overcoming a 69-60 deficit with 1:27 remaining, as the Rams and a 40-point performance from Ronnie Moss was able to avoid the upset with a 74-72 win over the Chaparrals at Sid Richardson Center Monday night.  The meeting was the first meeting between the two Texas based NAIA programs since 1987.

The two teams put on a free-throw shooting clinic in the contest.  The two teams combined for 49 free throws and 34 (18 by TWU) came in the second half.  LCU went 81.8% (18/22) and TWU went 81.5% (22/27) at the line in the game.  With LCU holding TWU without a field goal for the final 5:47, the Rams had to produce their final eight points from the free-throw line. The Chaps received 18 points from Rashad Sample in the second half to help the Chaps comeback bid.

The first half was filled with eight lead changes and a stunning first half from Moss.  The Texas Christian University transfer was 9-of-13 from the field in the first half and went 5-for-6 beyond the arch to notch 28 points in the first half.  LCU, who led as much as by four points in the first half, nearly balanced the first half performance by Moss and trailed 39-33 at halftime.

Moss was the only double figure producer offensively for the Rams, who received a game-high 11 rebounds from Oral Roberts University transfer Chris Angsomwine. TWU, with six NCAA Div. I transfers on their roster, out-rebounded LCU 41-31 in the game.  Moss finished the night 11-of-20 from the field, 6-of-8 from long range and 12-of-13 from the free throw line for his 40 points.

LCU had three players in double-figures, with Sample going 8-of-19 from the field for his 22 points to lead LCU.  Douglas Williams posted 11 points and Anthony Brancato added 10 points in the loss for the Chaps.  LCU struggled from long distance, hitting just five of 20 three-point attempts.

It was the 17^th all-time meeting the two teams and the first since Jan. 22, 1987.  LCU falls to 3-3 on the season, while TWU moves to 3-0.  The two teams will meet again Saturday at 2 p.m., as they complete the home-and-home series at Rip Griffin Center.