WT basketball sweeps Angelo State at home on Saturday

WT's Julius Brown inbounds a pass during a game against Angelo State on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the First United Bank Center in Canyon.
WT's Julius Brown inbounds a pass during a game against Angelo State on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the First United Bank Center in Canyon.

CANYON — It was a big weekend for West Texas A&M as the women‘s basketball team was celebrating alumni weekend with the return of a legend. After the celebration, the men had a game to win as well.

In the end, both squads took care of business Saturday.

The Lady Buffs took down Angelo State 80-64 in the first game before the men's team took down the Rams 84-67 in the nightcap of the Lone Star Conference doubleheader at the First United Bank Center.

The women's game started out competitive with WT leading 11-9 through the first quarter. The Lady Buffs (18-6, 11-5) took control after that, forging a 25-10 offensive run on the way to a 36-19 halftime lead and never looked back against the first-place Rambelles (19-4, 14-3).

WT's Nicholas Jett awaits the inbound pass in a game against Angelo State on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the First United Bank Center in Canyon.
WT's Nicholas Jett awaits the inbound pass in a game against Angelo State on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at the First United Bank Center in Canyon.

Five Lady Buffs scored in double figures with Azia Himeur leading the way with 23 points. Lauren Taylor contributed 17 points, Karley Motschenbacher had a double-double with 15 points and 16 rebounds, Nyalam Thabach chipped in 13 points and seven boards and Hollie Stadler scored 10 points.

The big moment for the women came after the game during a meet and greet with a WT and women's basketball legend. Longtime head coach Bob Schneider was celebrated as part of Alumni Day for the women's team.

Schneider was inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame last year. In 43 season as a head coach, Schneider compiled 1,045 wins at Darrouzett High, McLean High, Canyon High, Texas Women's College and WT. The six-time LSC Coach of the Year won five state titles with the Lady Eagles to go with nine LSC championships with the Lady Buffs.

The men's team followed that contest with a match against ASU of their own.

The Buffs led 12-8 before creating separation with a 10-2 offensive spurt to go up 22-10. WT led 38-22 at the midway point and appears to be in control.

The Rams wouldn't give up.

ASU went on a 10-2 run to start the second half, chipping its way back into the contest. The Rams got within eight points and managed to keep within striking distance for portions of the second half. Eight was as close as Angelo State (18-5, 14-3) would get before the Buffs held on for the win.

"It was a good win for us," said Buffs coach Tom Brown, whose squad improved to 16-6 overall and 14-2 and in conference. "It's tough to go on the road in the LSC and win and Angelo got beat down in Lubbock on Thursday and we got them here today (Saturday). We tightened that race up in the Lone Star Conference and now it's up to us to go on the road. Going to Eastern (New Mexico) when they're undefeated there and Western is really, really good at home. We have two really tough ones coming up this weekend."

Damion Thorton led the way with 18 points while Julius Brown scored 15. Larry Wise added 11.

WT visits ENMU Thursday and Western New Mexico on Saturday.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: WT basketball sweeps Angelo State at home on Saturday