Angelo State Rams Hang On to Beat UTPB at Buzzer

SAN ANGELO, TX – The Angelo State men's basketball team snapped its three-game losing streak with an 80-77 win over UT Permian Basin on Tuesday evening inside the Junell Center.

The Rams, who held the lead for most of the contest, fell behind by four points with 1:53 left in the game. A clutch three-pointer by Kailon Nicholls cut the lead to a single point before Jhordan Ryan blocked a Falcon layup to give the ball back to the Rams.

Jesaiah McWright found Zyon Little for a layup with 44 seconds left to put the Rams back on top, 78-77. The Rams' defense stepped up in the ensuing possession, forcing a turnover. Davon Scott sank two free throws to give the Rams a three-point lead, and the Falcons missed a corner three at the buzzer as the Rams secured the win.

The Rams' offense shot 50% from the floor and 35% from three-point range. The Rams controlled the game on the boards, outrebounding UTPB 40-30.

Little led all players with 19 points, shooting 8-for-10 from the field and making three three-pointers. His point total is one off his career high, and he recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds, his first of the season.

Nicholls had 17 points and four assists.

Ryan recorded his second-consecutive double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. He made five of his six field goals, blocked four shots, and nabbed two steals.

Jordan Crawford scored nine points and assisted nine times. The Rams assisted on 20 of their 33 field goals.

McWright and Scott scored eight points apiece. McWright grabbed a career-high eight rebounds and assisted four times, while Scott hit a pair of threes in only 11 minutes of action off the bench.

The Rams improve to 12-7 overall and 3-5 in Lone Star Conference play. They are back in action on Thursday evening, hosting UT Dallas at 7:30 p.m.