Saturday, February 7, 2015
                                                                                                                      
PORTALES, N.M. — For the second straight time against Angelo State, the Eastern New Mexico University women's basketball team (8-12; LSC 4-6) erased a double-digit deficit in the second half on the way to a crucial Lone Star Conference win. Sarah Stinnett's (Jr., G, Fort Sumner, N.M./Howard College) 37-point, 10 rebound performance paced the Zias to a 77-69 win over the visiting Rambelles (6-14; LSC 1-9), Saturday evening at Greyhound Arena.
 
Eastern has won three of their last four meetings against the Rambelles and swept the season series for the first time since the 1996-97 season. Stinnett's performance marked the first 30-point game for a Zia since Jasmine Johnson (Sr., P, DeSoto, Texas/DeSoto HS) registered 30 against Lubbock Christian, last January 6. She came within three points of the ENMU single-game mark (40), set by Precious Herrin (at Texas A&M-Kingsville 12/1/2011) and matched by Kiara Tate (vs Tarleton State 1/4/2012).
 
Although the contest featured five lead changes, the Rambelles owned the lead for 24:23 of play. A jumper from Diamalises Rivera staked ASU to a 47-37 advantage with just 15:56 left in the game, but Stinnett wrapped up back-to-back fast break opportunities with jumpers to ignite a 19-5 ENMU run over the ensuing 7:27 of play. Eastern grabbed its first lead since midway through the first half on a layup from Tori Tucker (Portales, N.M./Floyd HS/Howard College)¸and Stinnett followed with a pair of free throws to extend the lead to 56-52 with 7:09 left.
 
Five straight points from Amanda Weaver gave Angelo State its final lead, 57-56, with 5:36 remaining. Stinnett immediately scored to five ENMU the lead for good and contributed six points to an 11-4 run, which pushed Eastern's advantage to six points with less than two minutes to play. The Rambelles pulled within five on three occasions, but could come no closer as ENMU held on for the win.
 
Eastern held a commanding 23-8 lead in fast break points, while each team had 14 points off turnovers. The Zias were limited to a 36.7 shooting percentage in the opening half, but converted on 52 percent from the floor in the second half. Tucker chipped in 11 points, six rebounds and two steals, while Jordyn Cooper (Jr., G, Texico, N.M./Texico HS) and Johnson each finished with nine points. Johnson also pulled down eight caroms. Rivera paced ASU with 22 points and seven rebounds.
 
The Eastern New Mexico University women's basketball team will return to action on Wednesday, when they host Cameron University. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. MT.