SAN ANGELO, Texas – Playing at home for the first time this season, the Angelo State men's basketball used a dominating first-half performance to defeat Texas A&M – Kingsville 83-66 in Stephens Arena at the Junell Center on Friday night.
 
The Rams (1-2, 1-2 LSC) have now won four games in a row against the Javelinas (2-1, 2-1 LSC) while taking seven of the last 10 matchups.
 
Sam Baker showed off his athleticism in his home opener, leading Angelo State with 27 points while shooting 4-of-9 from three-point range and 5-of-8 from the free-throw line.
 
The Rams raced out to an 8-2 lead to start the first half before Paul Williams converted an and-one to give his team a nine-point advantage. ASU kept on firing as back-to-back threes by Baker and Kevon Godwin made it a 17-2 lead with just over six minutes played.
 
Angelo State kept a double-digit lead for the remainder of the game, stringing together two more seven-point runs in the first half before a three by Baker gave the Rams their largest lead of the half at 46-20.
 
Also playing in his home opener was Sam Moore who finished the night with 16 points for ASU along with four rebounds and three assists. Moore was efficient throughout the night, shooting 7-of-9 from the field including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc.
 
The Rams kept up the pressure in the second half, scoring seven straight points to bring their lead to 57-29 after Baker converted two free throw attempts. ASU continued its success in getting to the free-throw line, shooting 22-of-33 as a team.
 
Williams scored double figures for the second game in a row, finishing the night with 14 points while Salisu Yahaya added nine points and Devaughn Thomas had seven points.
 
Angelo State shot 57 percent in the game, including a 33 percent mark from three-point range, while holding the Javelinas to 36 percent shooting and outrebounding TAMUK 42-35.
 
The Javelinas found some fight late in the second half, dwindling ASU's lead to 12 points but couldn't overcome the shooting effort from Angelo State.
 
The Rams and Javelinas will rematch tomorrow night in game two of this weekend's doubleheader at the Junell Center. Tip-off is set for 5:30.