Feb. 14, 2007

Box Score

CANYON, Texas - Senior guard Kevin "Chip" Green poured in a career-high 30 points Wednesday night as the West Texas A&M men's basketball team defeated Angelo State, 86-56, at the First United Bank Center to claim its fifth straight victory and remain in a tie for first place in the Lone Star Conference South Division.

The victory avenges a loss earlier this season to the Rams and improves WTAMU's overall record this season to 15-8 and its conference mark to 7-2. Angelo State drops to 8-15 overall and 3-6 in league action with the setback.

The Buffs stampeded the Rams to open the game, coming out of the gate on fire, connected on their first nine shots from the field to build a 22-5 advantage. The onslaught continued as WTAMU was able to maintain its intensity throughout the half by converting 21-of-32 first half shots for a 65.6 shooting percentage, including seven baskets from beyond the three-point arc. For their part, the Rams shot 45.8 percent (11-of-24) during the half.

Individually, Green was a force for the Buffs, setting a new WTAMU career scoring-high with 23 points in only 20 minutes of play. The Philadelphia, Pa., native was sizzling in the first half, connecting on 8-of-12 field goals, including a 5-of-9 mark from long distance. Junior forward Chris Hinz was also a big part of the Buffs' great start, contributing 10 opening-half points. Hinz would finish the game with 14 points on 7-of-7 shooting

Junior Andre Hill contributed a career-high 10 points on the night, connecting on three field goals and going 4-for-6 from the charity stripe. Senior Damien Lolar enjoyed a well-rounded night, contributing 15 points, eight rebounds and seven assists.

West Texas A&M was playing without regular starters Tyler Cooper and Mike Baskerville, who were each injured during the last week.

The Buffs are back in action this Saturday when they travel to Abilene Christian to battle the ACU Wildcats in a 7 p.m. match up. The contest will be held at nearby McMurry University.