Las Vegas, N.M. – For the second consecutive season, the Angelo State men's basketball team defeated New Mexico Highlands to open the season, winning 71-60 against the Cowboys on Friday afternoon. The win is the first for head coach Vinay Patel on the ASU bench.

The Rams started strong against the Cowboys, and despite a reasonable effort from the hosts, the Rams were in control of the game for most of the contest.

The Rams' lead in the second half stayed in the 5-10 point range until the Cowboys hit a three with 7:20 left to make it a three-point contest; however, from that moment, the Rams went on a 16-8 run for the remainder of the game to pull away and secure their first victory of the season.

The Rams shot 36.9 percent from the field and 40 percent from three while holding the Cowboys to 36.2 percent on field goals and 33.3 percent from behind the arc. The Rams also controlled the glass, out-rebounding the Cowboys 38-31.

Playing in his first game since March 2^nd, 2021, Kevon Godwin made an emphatic return to the court, scoring 26 points on 10-25 shooting. The Florida native shot 4-9 from three and recorded four rebounds, two assists, and two steals in his first game in 619 days.

Willie Guy and Fredelin De La Cruz each scored 12 points and grabbed eight rebounds apiece; Guy also shot 3-5 from deep and grabbed three steals on the defensive side of the ball.

The Rams close their weekend tomorrow against Fort Lewis, who are receiving votes in the preseason NABC Coaches Poll.