Billings, Mont. – The Angelo State men's basketball team ended its weekend with a third win in as many games at the D2CCA Tip-Off Classic at the Trailhead, defeating No. 10 Colorado School of Mines 74-66 on Sunday afternoon.

It is the Rams' fifth win over a ranked opponent under head coach Vinay Patel, and the 3-0 start is the Rams' best start to a season in Patel's four seasons in charge.

With the score 64-63 in favor of the Orediggers at the 3:15 mark in the second half, the Rams closed the game on an 11-2 run, holding Mines to 1-for-7 shooting from the field while forcing CSM into a pair of turnovers.

The Rams shot 42 percent from the field, took care of the ball, only committing five turnovers, and forced the Orediggers into 12 turnovers.

Jaqai Murray made his presence felt inside with a 20-point, seven-rebound performance. The senior forward shot 8-for-15 from the field and assisted three times.

Kailon Nicholls scored 11 points, while Zyon Little added ten points and eight rebounds in 19 minutes.

Ja'Queze Kirby scored nine points, grabbed seven rebounds, and recorded two assists, two steals, and two blocks.

Jordan Crawford led the Rams with four assists. The Rams assisted on 16 of their 27 field goals.

The Rams are 3-0 on the season and open their home schedule this weekend when they host Western Colorado and Adams State.