Wednesday, January 21, 2015
                                                                                                                      
COMMERCE, TEXAS — Junior guard Jordyn Cooper (Texico, N.M./Texico HS) poured in a career-high 23 points as the Eastern New Mexico University women's basketball team (6-9; LSC 2-3) attempted to rally from a double-digit deficit for the second straight game in Lone Star Conference play. Texas A&M-Commerce (9-6; LSC 3-2) withstood a late flurry from the Zias and held on for a 70-62 win at The Field House.
 
The Lions improved to 6-2 on their home court this season and have won three of four during the current home stand. Eastern saw its two-game LSC win streak snapped, attempting to rally from a 20-point deficit, just days after coming back from 22 points behind to win at Angelo State.
 
The lead changed five times in the early going, with ENMU taking its final lead, 15-14 after the Zias completed a fast break opportunity with a trey from Jordyn Cooper with 9:22 left in the opening half. The teams went back and forth for the remainder of the period, with the Lions taking a 30-26 advantage into intermission. Although the Zias enjoyed a 25-17 edge in rebounds, Texas A&M-Commerce held a 4-3 lead in second-chance points and had all 18 of the game's points in the paint.
 
Gabby Scott his a three-point shot followed by a jumper to open the second half, as the Lions pushed their lead to nine points. Eastern closed to within 35-30 on Tori Tucker's (Portales, N.M./Floyd HS/Howard College) fast break layup, but A&M-Commerce responded with a 20-5 surge over the ensuing 6:18 and took a 55-35 lead on a trey from Zenobia Winbush.
                                                                                                                     
Jordyn Cooper followed with another three-point basket, to spark a 23-7 ENMU run over 8:58, with the Zias pulling within four points, 62-58, when she connected on her second of consecutive treys with 1:40 to play. The Lions hit six free throws over the final 51 seconds to seal the game.
 
ENMU held a 44-37 edge in rebounding and has held the rebounding advantage in two of the last three games. Jordyn Cooper connected on a career-high seven three-point field goals in 10 attempts, while Tucker contributed 12 points, seven rebounds and two steals. Sarah Stinnett (Jr., G, Fort Sumner, N.M./Howard College) chipped in eight points and seven boards. Scott paced the Lions with 18 points, while La'Tisha Hearne had 10 points and 13 rebounds.
 
The Eastern New Mexico University women's basketball team will return to action tomorrow evening, when they visit Texas Woman's University. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. MT.
 
NOTES
Cooper's seven three-point field goals is believed to be the most by a Zia since at least the 2000-01 season. The feat was also accomplished by Lacy Acker (at Texas Woman's 2/21/2008) and Cat Clay (at Texas A&M-Kingsville 2/23/2011)