Final Stats (.pdf)

STEPHENVILLE, Texas – Richard Thomas led all scorers with 21 points but was the only Ram to reach double figures as Angelo State was overpowered in a 70-53 loss to Tarleton State at Wisdom Gym Saturday.

Thomas scored more than 20 points for the third time in the last five games and fifth time this season, but Angelo State (5-9, 1-1 LSC South) couldn't find a way to complement their scoring guard. Wes Dipprey (18), Carrington Tankson (17) and Corin Henry (13) all reached double figures for Tarleton State (11-3, 2-0 LSC South) as the Texans handed the Rams their seventh-consecutive loss at Wisdom Gym.

Angelo State's front court had trouble defending the interior in the first half as Tarleton outscored the Rams 24-8 in the paint. Dipprey connected on 4-of-5 shots for eight points in the first half and the Texans out-rebounded the Rams 17-9 en route to a nine point halftime advantage. Part of the deficiency for the Rams was the absence of Ridge McKeither who picked up two quick fouls and left the game near the 13 minute mark. McKeither, who averaged 21.2 points per contest, was limited to just four points before fouling out late in the game.

Tarleton extended its lead to 16 points in the first few minutes of the second half, but the Rams used an 11-2 run to pull within seven at 11:52. That's the closest the Rams could get. Tarleton shot 54.2 percent in the second half, down from a 62.5 percent mark in the first half. The 17-point margin at the end of the game was the Texans' largest lead of the contest.

Andre Adams scored a career-best nine points in the loss. At one point in the first half, Adams hit a three-pointer, stole the ball and was fouled while making the ensuing lay-up. He hit the free throw to complete a six-point swing in a matter of 22 seconds. Thomas also led the Rams with six rebounds.

Angelo State continues Lone Star Conference South Division play on the road against Texas A&M-Kingsville Wednesday (Jan. 19), before returning to the Junell Center for a match-up with West Texas A&M on Saturday (Jan. 22). Saturday's contest marks the kickoff of ASU's True Blue spirit campaign, with a pre-game RamJam tailgate planned along with other activities. A detailed schedule can be found at AngeloSports.com.

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