AUSTIN – The Angelo State men's basketball team dominated St. Edward's in a matchup of two of the best teams in the LSC, with the Rams leaving the Lone Star State's capital city with a 98-78 victory over the Hilltoppers on Saturday afternoon. 

With the win, the Rams improve to 15-3 on the season and 11-1 in conference play; they sit alone atop the LSC standings. The win is the Rams' sixth in a row, having not suffered defeat since January 1st.

"I'm incredibly proud of our guys for winning on the road over two very good teams this weekend," said head coach Vinay Patel. "I thought our defensive pressure was great in both games, and we did a great job on offense finding each other today." 

The Rams' 98 points, their most against a Division II opponent this season, are the most the Hilltoppers have allowed in a game this season, blasting past their previous season-worst of 84. The Rams also shot 58.2 percent from the field, their season-high and the best anyone has shot against the Hilltoppers this season. 

The Rams' 98 points are the most the Hilltoppers have allowed in a regulation game since they allowed 108 points to West Texas A&M on March 6th, 2021; it is also the most the Rams have scored against a Division II opponent since scoring 98 against Fort Lewis back on November 14th, 2021. 

The Rams hit their first five shots of the contest and quickly jumped out to a 15-5 lead over the Hilltoppers before the hosts made a comeback to take a one-point lead on two occasions; however, a Devaughn Thomas layup with 9:11 left in the first half gave the Rams they would only expand upon. 

In addition to shooting 58.2 percent from the field, the Rams shot 47.6 percent from three-point range. 

Angelo State also took care of the ball, only committing seven turnovers; they also recorded 17 assists. 

"We did a nice job of taking care of the ball and making the easy play," said Patel. "We knew we needed to get in transition, and forcing 15 turnovers definitely helped us accomplish that. St. Edward's is very well coached, and their offensive scheme is tough to defend."

For the second game this season, the Rams featured six players that scored in double figures, led by Kevon Godwin's 26 points. The Floridian shot 10-of-13 from the field and 6-of-7 from three-point range; his six three-pointers are the first time a Ram has made six in a game since Sam Baker did so on February 4th, 2021. 

Big man Fredelin De La Cruz set a new career-high with 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting from the floor; the senior forward also grabbed five rebounds. 

Steve Webb was everywhere defensively for the Rams, recording four steals. The St. Louis native scored 13 points, grabbed five rebounds and four steals, and assisted four times. 

Willie Guy scored 11 points, making three three-pointers and recording four assists.

Thomas and Barlow Alleruzzo IV each scored ten points, with Alleruzzo reaching that mark in only 14 minutes of action off the bench. 

The Rams are back in action Tuesday against UT Permian Basin in Odessa; the Falcons are coming off a pair of losses this weekend to St. Edward's and St. Mary's. 

"We have a quick turnaround and play UTPB this Tuesday on the road," said Patel. "This is a tough stretch we are in, and we will get to work right away to prepare our guys for another physical road game."