ELLENSBURG, Wash. – A slow start proved too much to overcome Saturday night as No. 16 Angelo State fell to No. 8 Central Washington, 38-21, at Steve Hertling Field at Tomlinson Stadium.

The Rams (6-3, 4-3 Lone Star Conference) trailed by 21 points at halftime after the Wildcats opened with three straight touchdown drives. Angelo State's offense struggled early, going three-and-out on its first two possessions before finding rhythm late in the second quarter.

Quarterback Braeden Fuller connected with Jayden Jones for a 15-yard touchdown to put the Rams on the board before halftime.

ASU carried that momentum into the third quarter, as Fuller hit Zeek Freeman for a 33-yard score on the opening drive to cut the deficit to 21-14. Moments later, Fuller found Donny Bishop on a 12-yard catch-and-run touchdown to pull the Rams within seven.

Fuller ended the night completing 13 of his 25 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns.

Central Washington responded with a touchdown late in the third and added a field goal in the fourth to seal the win.

Angelo State returns home next Saturday, Nov. 8, to host Western Oregon at 1st Community Credit Union Field at LeGrand Stadium for Military Appreciation Day and Senior Day.