The Angelo State men’s basketball team has opened the 2025-26 season with the kind of momentum every program dreams of. With a perfect 5–0 record through mid-November, including two convincing home wins and three strong performances on neutral courts, the Rams are quickly establishing themselves as one of Division II’s early success stories.

Here’s a breakdown of how Angelo State Men's Basketball's success has taken shape, and what it means for the program moving forward.

• Subscribe to FloCollege to watch Lone Star Conference Basketball

What makes this start especially impressive is the context behind it. With only two returning players from last year’s roster, the Rams entered the season with plenty of unknowns and questions about chemistry. Instead, they’ve showcased cohesion, toughness, and a defensive identity that has positioned them well ahead of expectations.

Their home opener set the tone. In a decisive 91–72 win over Western Colorado, the Rams never trailed, using balanced scoring and relentless defensive pressure to control the game from start to finish. They shot an efficient 50 percent from the field, knocked down nearly 43 percent of their threes, and forced a staggering 21 turnovers — converting those mistakes into 31 points. 

Four Rams reached double figures in the victory, led by senior forward Jaqai Murray and senior guard Jesaiah McWright, both with 15 or more points. Junior guards Quadir Pettaway and Kailon Nicholls added valuable scoring, energy, and defensive presence, further highlighting the depth that has emerged within this new-look roster.

Victory Sunday 😎#RamHoops #RamEm pic.twitter.com/KoMXXRKmmp

— Angelo State Men’s Basketball (@AngeloStateMBB) November 17, 2025

The next night offered a different kind of test — and arguably a more telling one. Facing Adams State, the Rams had to grind through a physical, defensive battle before ultimately securing a 68–61 win. A critical turning point came just before halftime: with two seconds left in the first half and trailing by three, senior forward Ja’Queze Kirby banked in a buzzer-beating three to tie the game. 

That momentum carried into the second half, where the Rams gradually asserted control. Kirby’s impact earned him Lone Star Conference Defensive Player of the Week, after averaging 10 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks across the two home games — a testament to his athletic versatility and defensive leadership.

Much of Angelo State’s early success reflects the environment and standards cultivated under Head Coach Vinay Patel. Since arriving in San Angelo, Patel has turned the Junell Center into one of the toughest venues in Division II — entering this season with an incredible 36–4 home record, a .900 winning percentage. His recruitment and integration of new talent has also paid immediate dividends. The Rams are once again thriving in non-conference play, an area where Patel’s teams have historically excelled with a 17–5 record prior to this season.

Rams Basketball Picked Sixth in LSC Preseason Poll #RamEmhttps://t.co/sp9TtdQAW7

— Angelo State Athletics (@angeloathletics) October 20, 2025

Statistically, the Rams are producing at a high level across the board. Murray ranks among national leaders in field goals made and free-throw attempts. McWright leads Division II in made free throws, while also sitting near the top in attempts. Nicholls and sophomore Zyon Little have emerged as defensive disruptors, ranking among Lone Star Conference leaders in steals and rebounding. The mix of scoring threats, defensive anchors, and high-efficiency role players gives Angelo State a versatility that few opponents have matched so far.

This strong start carries meaningful weight as the season builds. The Rams were picked sixth in the preseason Lone Star Conference poll, a ranking that already looks conservative. With conference play still ahead, Angelo State has an opportunity to rewrite expectations and climb quickly into the conference’s upper tier. The team’s consistency on defense, ability to force turnovers, and improved offensive efficiency will be essential as the intensity ramps up in league play.

Up Next: Angelo State vs Sul Ross State Men's Basketball

Before that challenge begins, the Rams will travel to face Sul Ross State in a non-conference matchup on November 20 — a chance to extend their undefeated run to 6–0 and further cement their early-season identity.

For now, the story in San Angelo is one of rapid transformation and rising momentum. A roster built on newcomers has already begun to play with the unity of a veteran group. The defense is dictating games, key players are establishing themselves statistically on the national stage, and the Rams are proving that this season’s ceiling may be much higher than anyone anticipated.

It’s early — but the excitement around Angelo State men’s basketball is already very real. And if this opening stretch is any indication, the best may still be ahead.

How To Watch Angelo State vs Sul Ross State Men's Basketball

Watch Lone Star Conference basketball all season long on FloCollege.

Archived Footage On FloCollege

Video footage from all games will be archived and stored in a video library for FloCollege subscribers to watch for the duration of their subscriptions

How To Watch College Basketball

Stream college basketball games on FloHoops and the FloSports app.

Don't miss the latest college basketball action by bookmarking the FloCollege schedule page for the latest games.

Join The College Basketball Conversation

• Follow us on Twitter @FloCollegeHoops
• Follow us on Instagram @FloCollegeBasketball
• Follow us on TikTok @FloHoopsTV
• Watch us on YouTube 
• Like us on Facebook