Wednesday, January 21, 2015
COMMERCE, TEXAS — Junior guards
John Gilliam (San Bernardino, Calif./Upland HS/Chaffey College) and
Demetrius Balark (Glendale, Ariz./Raymond S. Kellis HS/Cochise College) each scored 14 points, but the Eastern New Mexico University men's basketball team dropped a 91-67 decision to Texas A&M-Commerce (14-3; LSC 3-1) in Lone Star Conference action, Wednesday at The Field House. The Lions entered the game ranked seventh in the South Central region and received votes in the national poll.
The Lions improved to 8-0 at home, this season and have won 14 consecutive home games. ENMU's last win over A&M-Commerce was an 83-78 home game on January 22, 2014.
The lead changed hands four times in the first half, with ENMU taking its final lead, 20-19 on a Balark layup with 10:36 left in the first half. The Lions answered with an Anthony Adams trey to ignite a 19-4 run over the ensuing 7:23 of play. That surge concluded with a pair of Craig Fofang free throws, to stake the Lions to a 38-24 advantage with 2:37 left in the period.
Texas A&M-Commerce stretched their advantage to 18 points, 55-37 in the second half, but Balark hit a pair of free throws to ignite a 9-1 Greyhound run over the next 1:59 of the game, to trim the deficit to 56-46 with 12:56 left in the game. Eastern could come no closer as the Lions pulled away for the win.
The Lions held a 53.1-42.2 percent edge in shooting percentage. In addition to their scoring, Balark added three assists and two steals, while Gilliam contributed six rebounds. a
Jacob Straley (Sr., F, Riverside, Calif./Riverside Poly HS/San Diego Christian College) chipped in nine points, while
Chris Wyms (Jr., G, Carson, Calif. / King Drew Medical Magnet HS / Cerritos College) added eight points, four rebounds and a Greyhound season-high five steals. Darrell Williams paced A&M-Commerce with 26 points, 14 rebounds, two assists and three steals.
The Eastern New Mexico University men's basketball team will host Tarleton State on Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. MT.