Tuesday, November 10, 2015

TUCSON, ARIZ. — The Eastern New Mexico University women's basketball team played trailed University of Arizona by just 10 points at halftime of Tuesday's exhibition at the McKale Center. The Wildcats pulled away in the second half for a 71-37 win, but the Greyhounds made a statement with their 15-11 advantage on the offensive boards. Sarah Stinnett paced ENMU with 14 points.

Eastern seized a 3-2 lead, 1:06 into play on a trey from Mikaehla Connor. Arizona scored six straight points on back-to-back layups from Breanna Workman and a bucket from Lauren Evans, which forced the Hounds to take a time out. Just 12 seconds later, Stinnett connected on a jumper to pull within 8-5 at the 7:18 mark of the first quarter. The teams went back and forth, with Arizona holding a 17-12 edge after the opening 10 minutes.

In the second quarter, the Wildcats stretched their lead to as many as 14 points, 30-16, on a three-point play from Malena Washington, with 4:30 left in the period. Eastern responded with a three-point bucket from Stinnett, followed by another from Brianna White, to close within eight points, 30-22, with 2:38 left in the half. The teams exchanged baskets with Arizona taking a 34-24 lead into the locker room.

At halftime, each team had 18 rebounds, but the Hounds had a 7-5 advantage on the offensive glass. Eastern also held a 5-4 edge in steals. The Wildcats exploded on a 25-4 run early in the second half and pulled away for the win.

Kassandra Harris finished with seven points and three steals, while Miranda Moore added five rebounds and four assists. Brianna White chipped in six points and Brittany Gutierrez grabbed five caroms. Washington paced the Wildcats with 26 points.

The Eastern New Mexico University women's basketball team will tip off the regular season on Friday against Adams State at the Fort Lewis College Skyhawks Regional Challenge. The contest is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. MT.