ROSWELL— The Portales Rams haven’t had much time to practice as a complete team, and it showed Tuesday night at Roswell High as the Coyotes ripped into the Rams 72-55.

Roswell (4-1) started hot, outscoring the Rams 15-6 in the first quarter. The Rams trailed 31-22 at the half, but the Coyotes dominated the third period as well, building a 53-39 lead heading into the fourth period.

“We started out really, really slow,” head coach Mark Gallegos said. “But we hung in there and I was happy with the way we competed this early.”

Following Saturday’s football state championship, the Rams have had just one day together on the court.

Portales senior Nick Bliss led all scorers with 26 points. Billy Good added 10 points for the Rams.

Roswell junior A.J. Peralta led the Coyotes with 19 points.

According to Gallegos, the Rams shot 17-of-34 from the free throw line, including 4-of-10 in the first quarter.

The Portales boys return home Saturday to host Moriarty, before traveling to Clovis December 16.

“I was just real happy with the way the kids competed,” Gallegos said. “For the first night out and playing together as team — I see how good they can be.”