Frisco, Texas – The Angelo State men's basketball team got off to a hot start and had to hold on late against second-seeded Texas A&M-Kingsville to defeat the Javelinas 61-57 and advance to the Lone Star Conference Championship game.

The Rams got off to a hot start, thanks to a bucket by Fredelin De La Cruz and three makes from Kevon Godwin, including two three-pointers, to jump out to a 10-3 lead early.

In the first half, the Javelinas only shot 9-of-27 from the field but 50 percent from three-point range, making six to keep the game tightly contested headed into the break.

The Rams would only build on their lead in the second half, shooting 57.1 percent from the field. However, a late and furious run by the Javelinas gave the Rams all they bargained for down the stretch.

Devaughn Thomas led all players with 20 points on 6-of-8 shooting from the floor and 8-of-9 from the charity stripe.

Godwin added 13 points, making three three-pointers and assisting three times.

De La Cruz recorded a double-double with 12 points and ten rebounds; defensively, he grabbed three steals. This is his sixth double-double of the season.

The win sees the Rams improve to 25-5 on the season and will take on top-seeded West Texas A&M tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. in the title game; the title game will represent the Rams' first foray into the title game since 2017, where they lost to UT Permian Basin.

The Rams and the Buffs split their two matchups this season, with the home team winning both times. The Buffs are 17-0 inside the Comerica Center all-time and have won the last five LSC Tournaments.

The Rams downed the Buffs 82-77 in San Angelo, while the Buffs took the matchup in Canyon 84-67.

The Rams are seeking their first LSC Tournament title since 1989; they are 1-1 against the Buffs in the title game, with the Rams winning in 1988 before the Buffs claimed a win in 2001.