Wednesday, January 07, 2015
LAWTON, OKLA. — The Eastern New Mexico University men's basketball team (7-7; LSC 0-1) trimmed a 38-point second half deficit to 21 points, but could not overcome a strong start from Cameron University (9-4; LSC 1-0) and dropped a 98-71 decision, in Wednesday's Lone Star Conference opener at Aggie Gym. Junior guard
John Gilliam (San Bernardino, Calif./Upland HS/Chaffey College) poured in a season-high 27 points along with four rebounds, two assists and a pair of blocked shots.
Deondre Ray opened the scoring, 49 seconds into the game with a three-point basket and Cameron surged to a 26-6 lead. The Aggies scored 17 points on 12 Greyhound turnovers in the opening half and took a 49-21 advantage into the locker room.
The Greyhounds outscored Cameron by a 50-49 margin in the second half and held a 58.1-41 percent advantage in shooting percentage. The Aggies managed to retain the momentum early and opened the period with a 14-4 run to extend their advantage to 63-25. After the teams traded points, CU's lead stood at 85-51 with 7:53 left, when a pair of
Michael Randle (Sr., G, Houston, Texas/James Madison HS/Paris JC) free throws sparked an 18-5 Greyhound run. The run was capped by consecutive treys from
Chris Wyms (Jr., G, Carson, Calif. / King Drew Medical Magnet HS / Cerritos College) to pull ENMU within 90-69, with 2:53 left. Eastern could come no closer as the Aggies held on for the win.
Cameron held a 39-31 rebounding advantage, although Eastern finished with a 10-4 lead on the offensive glass. Each team finished with eight second-chance points, while the Aggies had a 14-4 lead in fast break points. Wyms registered 18 points, four rebounds and three steals for the Hounds.
Iyke Akajiobi (Sr., F, Los Angeles, Calif./La Habra HS/Cerritos College) chipped in eight points and seven rebounds. Desmond Henry paced Cameron with 20 points.
The Eastern New Mexico University men's basketball team will host Midwestern State on Sunday. Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. MT.