SAN ANGELO – A formidable first half from the offense of the Angelo State men's basketball team saw the Rams pull out a 69-64 win over St. Edward's on Saturday afternoon inside the Junell Center – Stephens Arena.

The Rams shot 59.2 percent from the field and 41.2 percent from three in the game's first 20 minutes as they entered the intermission with a nine-point lead.

The Hilltoppers responded in the second half to erase a 12-point deficit, even holding the lead until the two-minute mark remaining in the contest. However, with the score tied at 64-all, the Rams went 5-of-6 from the free-throw line in the game's last two minutes, also holding the Hilltoppers without a point in five attempts from the field in that time.

The Rams controlled the boards, 39-33, and contributed 14 assists on their 25 field goals from the field.

Four Rams scored in double figures, led by Keyshawn Embery-Simpson's 19 points. The graduate student shot 6-of-14 from the field and 5-of-7 from the charity stripe.

Shemar Smith notched his second double-double of the season with 13 points and ten rebounds, shooting an efficient 6-of-8 from the field.

DJ Basey and Kevon Godwin each added 11 points; Basey had six rebounds and a pair of blocks, while Godwin had five rebounds and four assists.

Willie Guy had six points, five rebounds, and a game-high six assists in 36 minutes of action.

The Rams improve to 14-5 on the season and 9-4 in LSC play; they improve to 21-0 on their home court under head coach Vinay Patel.

The Rams are back on the road next weekend as they take on Eastern New Mexico and Western New Mexico.