![Assistant Athletic Director of Academic Retention & Services Jill Gerloff delivers the opening speech at her final NGWSD dinner before her retirement. “I love all of my athletes and my women's teams always show up for me, and I want to make sure that I can do something to show up for them,” Gerloff said. [File photo]](https://therambler.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/OpeningSpeaker_Gerloff-1200x800.jpg)
On Jan. 29, the Texas Wesleyan Rams defeated the Wayland Baptist Pioneers in a Sooner Athletic Conference matchup at home in the Sid Richardson Gymnasium [76 – 71].
With both teams vying for a playoff spot, the Rams snatched victory from the hands of the Pioneers who came in ranked higher in the SAC standings at No. 4. Rams’ head coach Brian Wanamaker said the Rams came in to beat the Pioneers and keep their playoff hopes alive.
“We just know for us, a lot is at stake,” Wanamaker said. “We also know that that’s the team that’s going to be contending nationally, and right now, we’re a team that’s contending nationally.”
The first half was a struggle for both teams as the Rams exited the first half trailing [35 – 37]. The Pioneers made 31 percent of their three-point attempts while the Rams made only 20 percent. Despite the performance, Anthony Sierras, junior guard, went [3 – 4] from the three-point line and scored 16 points to finish the game.
“That’s what I mainly do, [I’m] mainly a three-point shooter and then just keep the offense flowing,” Sierras said.
In the second half, the Rams gained advantage over the Pioneers. Graduate forward Montez Young Jr and junior guard DaeVeon Scott came through in a big way to help their team on the defensive and offensive front. Scott, a junior point guard, finished the game with nine points, four rebounds and two steals. He also soared high for a dunk to give the Rams the lead in the second half.
“I had a couple of turnovers, got back in, and just when I assumed that I got out, I was like, ‘I got to take flight, get some momentum,’ and everything just worked out,” Scott said.
After several crucial free throws were made, the Rams secured the nail-biting win. Wanamaker said the team played to the best of their ability following the ice storm that led to cancelled practices.
“We turned the ball over a lot, and I think that was part of not practicing, not playing for a week, but we were able to make plays at the right moment,” Wanamaker said.
The Rams sit in third place in the SAC standings and are looking to finish the season strong. Their next game is against the Oklahoma Panhandle State University Aggies on Jan. 31 at home as they celebrate alumni and senior day.
