Friday, November 19, 2014
                                                                                                                                               
LAKELAND, FLA. — Senior forward Jasmine Johnson (DeSoto, Texas/DeSoto HS) exploded for a season-high 22 points, five rebounds and two steals, but the Eastern New Mexico University women's basketball team (4-6) saw its three-game win streak halted at the hands of ninth-ranked University of Tampa (7-2) at the Florida Southern/Terrace Hotel Classic in the Jenkins Field House. The game marked Johnson's top performance since a 30-point game against Lubbock Christian in January.
 
Taylor McVey netted the opening basket of the contest, nine seconds in, and the Spartans raced to a 15-2 lead. The contest marked just the third time in 10 games that ENMU trailed at halftime, as UT held a 41-25 advantage as the teams headed to the locker room.
 
It also marked the third time in the 2014-15 season in which an opponent outrebounded Eastern, as Tampa held a 37-24 lead on the boards, although ENMU enjoyed a 11-10 edge on the offensive glass. The Zias also held a 16-14 advantage in points scored off turnovers, and forced 14 miscues from the Spartans, while committing a season-low 11 of their own. Sarah Stinnett (Jr., G, Fort Sumner, N.M./Howard College) reached double figures for the fourth straight game, with 10 points, two assists and a steal. Cassidy Doherty (Jr., G, Folsom, N.M./Melrose HS) had six assists and two steals, while Brittany Gutierrez (Jr., P, Gallup, N.M./Otero JC) had six points and four rebounds. Julianna Cavallaro paced Tampa with 20 points, while McVey had 11 points and 12 boards.
 
The Eastern New Mexico University women's basketball team will return to action on Wednesday, January 7, to open Lone Star Conference play at Cameron University. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. MT.