SAN ANGELO, TX — The Angelo State Rams (12-4)(7-5) finished off a four-game road trip over the weekend. Despite playing hard in two games against Midwestern State and Cameron University, the Rams left with two more losses to extend the losing streak to four games. The Rams fell in double overtime to Midwestern State 88-79 last Thursday and 90-76 to Cameron on Saturday.
Injuries continue to hamper the Rams through the meat of their Lone Star Conference schedule. After Angelo State played a full 50 minutes against Midwestern State on Thursday, the 48-hour turnaround proved insufficient when the Rams were so thin. Despite the loss, some of the younger guys received their chance for some quality playing time. One of these players was Wall-native Everson Armstrong.
Wall's Everson Armstrong
(Ryan Chadwick/ San Angelo LIVE! Photo)
Head Coach Vinay Patel sang Armstrong’s praises at his weekly press conference on Monday at the Junell Center. He said that despite the losses, he was encouraged by the freshman’s performance. He added that he’s ready to get his vets back so the Rams can continue to compete for a conference championship, but it is always important to allow the younger players to grow.
“I thought Everson did a great job for us on Saturday,” Patel said. “I think every time he’s played, he’s gained more confidence. I think that’s key for him right now, considering his inexperience. I know our guys were ultra-fired up for him in the first half on Saturday. I thought he played an excellent half. He played 11 minutes in that half, and we’re up. Our guys were fired up for him in the locker room at the half.”
Watch the full interview with Coach Patel below:
Armstrong played a total of 15 minutes in the game against Cameron on Saturday. The ex-Wall Hawks went 2-3 from the field and snagged an offensive rebound in his first instance of real playing time. Patel said that Armstrong’s transition from 3A High School basketball to Division II Basketball was a tough one, but the young man adapted quickly and improves every day.
Angelo State Rams' Keyshawn Embery-Simpson
(Credit: Angelosports.com)
While the younger guys playing more is great for the future, the absence of Kevon Godwin hurt the Rams over the weekend. The Rams missed not only his offensive production but also his leadership and defense skills, which were sorely needed in Saturday’s loss. He put up 20 points, four rebounds, and three assists to go along with three steals on defense against Midwestern State on Thursday before not playing at all on Saturday.
Angelo State returns home for a 2-game homestand against St. Mary’s and St. Edwards this weekend in San Angelo. Both games will test the Rams’ mettle moving forward, and now is the time for Angelo State to step up to the plate and show the rest of the Lone Star Conference what they can do. Tip-off for the game against St. Mary’s is scheduled for 7:30 on Thursday, January 25, and at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 27, against St. Edward’s.
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