COMMERCE– The Texas A&M University-Commerce men's basketball team will open up its conference season with two home games this week. The Lions host Angelo State on Thursday and Texas A&M-Kingsville on Saturday.
 
Angelo State – Education Day presented by Alliance Bank
WHO: Texas A&M-Commerce (5-2, 0-0 LSC) vs. Angelo State (5-1, 0-0 LSC)
WHERE: The Field House in Commerce, Texas
WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 29 at 11 a.m.
LIVE STATS: Click HERE
LIVE VIDEO: lionathletics.com/live
TICKETS: Click HERE
 
Texas A&M-Kingsville
WHO: Texas A&M-Commerce vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville (3-2, 0-0 LSC)
WHERE: The Field House in Commerce, Texas
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 1 at 4 p.m.
LIVE STATS: Click HERE
LIVE VIDEO: lionathletics.com/live
TICKETS: Click HERE
 
The Lions are coming off of their second consecutive week with a road trip to high altitude in Colorado. The Lions played in back-to-back games in Denver. They defeated nationally-ranked Regis and lost in overtime to Metro State. Head coach Jaret von Rosenberg has liked how his team has fought and played these last two weeks.
 
"We have gone through some ups and downs but overall I've thought we've played well," he said. "We are one possession away with the overtime game from sweeping last week. Obviously sitting at 5-2 you would like to be 7-0 but I'm happy with being able to get some tough wins. Now we get to play in the Field House for five straight. It will be nice to be home, finish finals and focus on basketball."
 
The Lions now open up their conference schedule. The Lions host Angelo State at 11 a.m. to open the season. The teams faced each other three times last season, with the Lions winning their matchup at the Field House and again winning in the LSC Tournament. von Rosenberg knows it will be a tough challenge against an experienced Ram team.
 
"They are a talented ball club," von Rosenberg said. "Cinco Boone does a really nice job. They are like us. They have a lot of returners that have won a lot of games in this league. They have brought in some talented players as well. In the Lone Star Conference, you have to take advantage of being on your home court. We just have to be ready to play and give ourselves a chance in those last four minutes to make one or two more plays than they do to come out with a win."
 
The Lions will tip off at 11 a.m. as part of Education Day, presented by Alliance Bank. It is the earliest tip off for the team in over a decade. von Rosenberg is excited to see his team play with a gym filled with more than 1,000 local school kids. He knows two talented teams will take the floor in a loud atmosphere.
 
"It is a unique opportunity," von Rosenberg said. "It is always fun. When there is a crowd here and both teams are competitive, everybody will be ready to go.
 
"It is a good thing for the kids locally. They get to come during school and watch a basketball game. But not only that, our SAAC organization does a good job putting on a skit at halftime. Something that is education positive for those young kids to get them to understand the value of education and sports. It is a unique opportunity. I'm glad we can be a part of it. Our administration does a great job with that. We just have to be ready to go.
 
Tickets for the doubleheader are available at WeAreLionsTix.com, by calling (903) 468-8756 or by visiting the Lion Sales & Service Box Office in the Field House. The Lion women's team will tip off against ASU immediately following the conclusion of the men's game.