PORTALES, New Mexico – The No. 15 Angelo State men's basketball team came back with an 11-1 run in the final minute of the game to beat Eastern New Mexico with a, 70-68, in Portales, New Mexico, on Saturday evening.
Despite the offense shooting below season average, the Rams improved to 14-2 and 2-2 in the Lone Star Conference with the victory. ASU netted 40.4 percent from the field, 26.7 percent from 3-point range and 62.5 percent from the free throw line. The defense pocketed 14 steals for the evening, which was a catalyst to the late comeback. The Greyhounds dropped to 4-12 and 0-4 in the LSC with the loss.
"We played very sloppy," commented ASU Head Men's Basketball Coach Cinco Boone. "We didn't score the basketball very good, we turned it over and our defense was not great at times. However, the fight and the will to win in the last four or five minutes is what gave us the win. I have never been a part of a comeback like that in any basketball game."
Down 16 points to ENMU with 11 minutes left in the second half, Tre Bennett sunk a deep three to begin the rally. The Rams would slowly chip away at the Greyhound lead and trim it to 67-61. Shaquan Rhoades would kick off a run with a fast break layup and bring the score to 67-65 ENMU with 47 seconds left on the clock, Stedman Allen swiped the ball from the opposition's hands to regain possession for the Rams. Shelton Boykin took the pass and drove into the paint rolling in a layup to tie the game at 67 as he was fouled in the process. The free throw would give ASU its first lead since the first half. ENMU was fouled and hit one of two free throws to make it 69-68. Rhoades closed the game out sinking a final free throw to give Angelo State a two point margin.
The two teams kept the game close in the first half exchanging the lead eight times with neither team leading by more than four points. Allen led the team with 11 points first half points but the Rams would enter the half down 28-27.
Allen , Bennett, Omari Gudul and Boykin all recorded double-figures in points for the night. Allen led the team finishing the night with 17 points. He was 50 percent from the field and 55.9 percent from the charity stripe. He was one of two players to collect three steals. Bennett followed with 13 points for the night as he shot 50 percent from beyond the arc and 66.7 percent from the free throw line. The senior point guard also added an assist and his first block of the season.
Gudul and Boykin rounded out the foursome dropping in 12 points each. Both players went 4-for-7 from the field and 4-for-7 from the free throw line. In addition to the points, Gudul also led the defense as he added 12 boards for his fourth double-double of the season. He now leads the team in the double-double category. Boykin marked his 11th game this season hitting double-figure points. He also led the team with two assists and added a pair of steals to his totals.
For the second consecutive game, Shaquan Rhoades made his presence known on the defense as he once again led the squad in steals. Earning his second start of the season, the Virginia native tallied three steals for the night. Two of these steals came during the critical second half as the Rams were mounting the comeback. He also recorded five points and four assists for the game.
The Rams will continue its road tour with a game against the Cameron Aggies on Wednesday, January 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Lawton, Oklahoma. The game will be broadcasted on 1260AM KKSA with Jeremy Bryant on the call.
