Cluth Free Thows, Defense Lifts Angelo State Rams Over WNMU

SAN ANGELO, TX — The Angelo State Rams controlled the second half Thursday night to earn a 63-52 win over Western New Mexico at the Junell Center–Stephens Arena.

Angelo State led for the entirety of the second half and limited the Mustangs to a season-low 52 points — 10 fewer than their previous low this season. Western New Mexico, which entered the game receiving votes in the NABC Division II Poll, also shot a season-worst 30% from the field.

The Rams finished shooting 40% in an otherwise evenly played contest that featured identical rebounding totals (43 apiece) and 16 turnovers for each team.

After a tightly contested opening stretch that saw the lead change hands three times, Angelo State took control with 6:57 remaining in the first half and never relinquished the advantage.

Up by as much as 13 points in the second half, the Rams saw their lead cut to three at one point in the second half. However, clutch free-throw shooting from Jesaiah McWright with less than three minutes to play put the game away.

Jhordan Ryan, Zyon Little and Jabbari Barry each scored 14 points to pace the Rams. Ryan missed just one shot from the field, finishing 6-of-7 while adding a team-high eight rebounds and three steals. Little pulled down seven rebounds, while Barry accounted for all three of Angelo State’s made 3-pointers.

Quadir Pettaway and Jesaiah McWright chipped in eight points apiece, with McWright converting all eight from the free-throw line.

Jordan Crawford and Ashraf Barsham each grabbed six rebounds, while Crawford led the Rams with three assists.

Angelo State improved to 14-10 overall and 5-8 in Lone Star Conference play. The Rams close the weekend Saturday at home against Sul Ross State, who lost to UT Permian Basin on Thursday in Odessa.