PORTALES, N.M. – Three second half penalties proved to be crucial in Eastern New Mexico's, 23-14, loss to No. 20 Angelo State at Greyhound Stadium Saturday night.

"We were making plays and they were making plays," said head coach Kelley Lee after the game. "I think we held them the whole game."

Both teams posted low numbers offensively as the game consisted of lengthy scoring possessions and fast-paced stops in opening downs.

Eastern New Mexico started the game with the ball. On their first possession, ENMU went 3-for-3 in third down conversions. Coming into the game, Angelo State was one of the top programs in the Lone Star Conference in third down defense situations.

ENMU took a shot to the endzone with Mario Sanchez dropping a dime to Ja'Calvin Newsom for the first score of the game. Newsom was covered by a pair of Rams defenders in the endzone, but the Albuquerque native hauled in the reception and tallied his third touchdown over the last two contests.

The next five minutes saw ASU earn a first and goal opportunity at the seven yard-line. The Rams were unable to get into the endzone and settled for the opening drive field goal.

Angelo State forced a quick three-and-out to ENMU and capitalized on a pass interference by the Hounds.  ASU took the 10-7 advantage with 14 minutes left in the second quarter.

Again, Eastern converted on three third down attempts to setup a touchdown run by Mario Sanchez. Coming into the game, Sanchez led the LSC in rushing touchdowns.

After the first 30 minutes of action, ENMU held a 14-10 lead on the ranked conference opponent.

Angelo State and Eastern New Mexico traded the first two possessions to open the second half.

ENMU's failed drives included a blocked field goal and a three-and-out with only one yard earned during the possession.

"That was a difference maker," said Lee when asked about the blocked kick.

The Rams third possession proved to be a step in the right direction for the opposition. A pass interference helped them advance and setup a peculiar scoring sequence.

With under one minute to play in the third quarter, ASU completed a pass near the goal line and the Rams receiver fumbled the ball at the one-yard line before a teammate scooped up the ball inside the endzone for a touchdown.

ENMU managed to keep the game within two points as Trey Cain blocked the point after attempt.

Angelo State extended its lead early in the fourth quarter, 23-14.

The Greyhounds held a promising drive in the middle of the final quarter as they earned two first downs and had key moments like a TJ DeLeon reception for 17 yards and an Elijah Zeh rush for 17 yards.

Eastern got the ball to as close as the 24-yard line, but a sack forced a 47-yard field goal attempt. Freshman Kaden Bell's kick was directly into the wind and the ball curled just left of the uprights.

From there, ASU took care of business and ran out the clock.

"They responded well to the challenge," said Lee when asked about the program's response to a loss last week to Midwestern State. "You have to capitalize against a good team."

ASU finished with 321 total yards while ENMU earned 262.

The Rams converted 9-of-14 third down attempts allowing them to score four times on the night.

Mario Sanchez finished the game 6-of-9 through the air for 73 yards, including the touchdown throw on the opening possession. Sanchez also tallied a rushing touchdown on his way to 22 yards on the ground.

Three different Hounds caught a pass, including Ja'Calvin Newsom with three receptions for 27 yards, Andre Jones with two catches for 29 yards, and TJ DeLeon with a 17-yard reception.

Talon Sanders and Matthew Quartieri led the defense with eight tackles each. Sanders had two pass breakups.

Kevin McCracken proved to be a difference maker with his first sack of the 2023 season.

The crowd proved to be a key component in the tight contest as ENMU celebrated Family Night and the 2013 LSC championship team was honored at halftime.

"That was a good crowd today," said Lee after the game. "I appreciate all the people coming out and being loud and in the game."

The Greyhounds look ahead for a matchup with Central Washington October 7. The next home game for ENMU is October 21 versus Texas A&M-Kingsville.