COMMERCE— The Texas A&M University-Commerce men's basketball team will face another tough road test as they travel to play No. 5 Angelo State
 
WHO: Texas A&M-Commerce (11-2, 4-1 LSC) at Angelo State (10-1, 2-1 LSC)
WHERE: Junell Center in San Angelo, Texas
WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 7 at 4 p.m.
LIVE STATS: http://statb.us/b/150718
LIVE VIDEO: http://www.angelosports.com/showcase?Live=839
LIVE AUDIO: www.ketr.org
 
The Lions are coming off of a hard-fought win over A&M-Kingsville. The Lions built a large lead halfway through the game but struggled to hit free throws down the stretch, escaping with a two-point victory. Despite the struggles, head coach Sam Walker was pleased with the way his team played in a difficult environment.
 
"We have been to the free throw line somewhere between 130 and 140 times in the last three games," Walker said. "That means we are doing the right things. That means we are attacking the basket. We are being the aggressor in the game. And although we have struggled at the line recently, we have good shooters. It's not like we are a bad free throw shooting team. We just haven't put the ball in the hole. But as long as we are doing the right things, good things are going to happen for us."
 
Walker was particularly pleased with the way his team moved the ball against A&M-Kingsville. He likes how his team has improved after every game they have played.
 
"We had one guy that shot more than 10 shots," he said. "That means we are moving the ball. We've got to keep rebounding. We've got to execute what we do and we've got to keep getting better. Good teams do that. They get better every time they step on the floor and they find new nuances of what they can do to be successful."
 
The Lions now travel to face the No. 5 team in the country in Angelo State. The Lions are on the final part of their seven-game road trip, with two games against nationally ranked opponents left.
 
"It's counting down," Walker said. We've now had five games on this seven game road stretch right now. Now we go to Angelo and Tarleton. They are two top-ten teams in the country. Combined they have over 20 wins and just one loss between the two of them. The road doesn't get any easier."
 
Angelo State is coming off of a loss to Tarleton State on Thursday. Walker knows the loss will mean his team will be facing a team looking to bounce back and that their focus will be sharp.
 
"I hated that Tarleton beat Angelo," he said. "They were primed for a loss. I wanted to get them undefeated and get them after a big win. They will be coming out firing on Saturday afternoon. We'll just have to get prepared and see what the Lions have in store."