Point Lookout, MO - College of the Ozarks came up just short Monday night, falling 71–70 to Texas Wesleyan in a back-and-forth game at Keeter Gymnasium. The contest was decided by a late three-point play in the final minutes.

Texas Wesleyan trailed 68–66 late before forward Montez Young Jr. took over. He tied the game with a jumper at the 3:38 mark, then gave the Rams the lead for good with another mid-range shot and a free throw at 2:56. College of the Ozarks responded with a jumper from Andrew Dalton to pull within 71–70 with 2:08 remaining, but the Bobcats were unable to score again as Texas Wesleyan closed out the one-point win.

College of the Ozarks shot efficiently, finishing at 45.3 percent from the field and 35.7 percent from three-point range, including 10 made 3-pointers. The Bobcats were also strong at the free-throw line, going 12 of 13. The difference came on the boards, where Texas Wesleyan held a 42–28 rebounding advantage and collected 23 offensive rebounds that led to key second-chance points.

The Bobcats led at halftime, taking a 32–28 advantage after DJ Quarles knocked down two free throws in the final seconds of the first half. College of the Ozarks maintained control for much of the game behind balanced scoring and steady outside shooting before the Rams’ late push.

Jaiden Wilson led the Bobcats with 15 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Seth Soden provided a strong lift off the bench, hitting all four of his three-point attempts to finish with 12 points in 23 minutes. Garrett Snyder also scored 12 points and added three assists, helping the Bobcats’ bench outscore Texas Wesleyan’s reserves 27–12.

College of the Ozarks finished with 10 assists and committed just 10 team fouls, but 15 turnovers gave Texas Wesleyan extra opportunities. The Rams shot 36.8 percent from the field but made up for it with volume shooting and control of the offensive glass.

Young led Texas Wesleyan with 18 points and 12 rebounds, while Khalil Turner added 12 points and 10 rebounds. Despite matching Texas Wesleyan throughout and showing strong perimeter play, College of the Ozarks was edged in a close game that provided a tough test as the Bobcats continue conference play.