Rams suffer losses to open 2020 campaign

Photo by Arthur Spragg & courtesy of ASU Athletic Communications:
Guard Paul Williams shoots despite defender's approach. Williams scored 15 points in the Dec. 12 game against DBU.

The ASU Rams Basketball Team on Dec. 11 traveled to the Burg Center in Dallas, Texas to take on the Dallas Baptist Patriots to start the 2020 season. Three-point shooting would falter for the Rams, as they lost Friday’s game 101-75 and Saturday’s game 93-86 to the Patriots on Dec. 12.

DBU had a strong first half in Friday's game, taking control and never letting up. ASU finished the game shooting 43.9% from the field, including 37.5% from behind the arc. DBU didn't seem to miss often, shooting 62.5% from the field, including 50% from behind the arc. They also outrebounded ASU 37-23.

Junior Sam Baker was the Rams leading scorer with 20 points on the night. He shot 8 of 17 from the field, including 3 of 8 from the three-point arc. Baker also added three rebounds and three assists. Junior Devaughn Thomas was the second-leading scorer, scoring 12 points. He shot 5 of 8 from the field, including 2 of 3 from three and also collected four rebounds and added two assists in his Rams debut.

ASU put together a better performance in Saturday's game against DBU, as they shot 52.5% from the field compared to 43.9% on Friday. Their three-point woes continued, however, as they shot 25% from three after shooting 37.5% from three in Friday's game.

Junior Salisu Yahaya led the Rams in scoring, putting in 17 points, three rebounds and three assists in his 17 minutes of playtime. Five other Rams scored double-digits against the Patriots; Senior Paul Williams scored 15 while grabbing seven boards and adding six assists. Senior Burone Edwards scored 14, Junior Kevon Godwin and Senior Lavaris Duncan each put up 12 and Junior Elijah Moleon scored 11 points for ASU as it was just not enough to put the Rams past the Patriots.

The Rams next game will be Friday, Dec. 18 and Saturday, Dec. 19, as they welcome in the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas to the Junell Center to open home LSC play.