Thursday, November 03, 2016

CEDAR CITY, UTAH — A jumper from Amari Dennis with 1:24 left gave the Eastern New Mexico University women's basketball team its final lead and the opportunity for a win over a NCAA Division I opponent for the first time since December 9, 1987. Southern Utah took the lead back just seconds later and held on for a 63-60 win over the Greyhounds, in Eastern's exhibition opener. The contest was played at Centrum Arena

ENMU's last victory over a NCAA Division I opponent was a 73-67 decision at University of Denver.

The Thunderbirds held their largest lead of 12 points on two occasions, with the final time coming with 8:40 left in the third quarter. ENMU closed to within four points three times, before taking the lead on a Harris jumper with 7:24 to play in the fourth. Eastern would take its final lead on Dennis' bucket with 1:24 on the clock.

The contest went back and forth with the lead changing hands nine times. Eastern held a 44-43 edge in rebounding, while second-chance points were even at 11 apiece. The Hounds also enjoyed a 40-35 percent advantage in shooting percentage from the floor.

Kassandra Harris posted a double double with 15 points and 14 rebounds, while Dennis contributed 10 points and three assists. Mikaehla Connor chipped in nine points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Jasmine Hotchkins added eight points. Dari Frandsen led Southern Utah with 13 points and 11 boards.

The Eastern New Mexico University women's basketball team will continue its exhibition schedule on Sunday at University of New Mexico. Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. MT.