LAS VEGAS, Nev. –The Eastern New Mexico University women's basketball team recorded the 500^th-win in program history with a 71-66 victory over Northwest Nazarene on Saturday at the Holiday Hoops Classic in Las Vegas. Eastern improves to 7-2 for the first time since the 2006-07 season and the six-straight wins are the most since the 2003-04 team won seven-straight games.
 
"Mikaehla Connor was very aggressive tonight," ENMU Head Coach Josh Prock said. "We knew they would have a hard time guarding her. She knocked down some tough shots and made some great decisions on the court for us."
 
Eastern was paced offensively by Mikaehla Connor who went 8-of-13 from the field for 19 points while the forward added six assists and picked up a steal in 37 minutes of action. Jasmine Hotchkins added 11 points while Kassandra Harris produced 10 and seven rebounds in the win over NW Nazarene. Overall, the Eastern bench came up with 27 points, outscoring the opposition 27-18, led by Harris and Hotchkins.
 
"The bench was very good for us tonight," Prock said. "Kassandra and Jazz made good plays for us. Eliza Martinez battled through foul trouble to help us out. Overall, we had very good bench play tonight."
 
After trailing by three after the opening quarter, Eastern strung together a 17-7 run over the second quarter to take a 29-22 lead into the break. Following the intermission, the Greyhounds expanded the lead to 10 going into the final period. Up three with just over a minute and a half to play, Brandi Gomez knocked down a dagger of a three pointer to expand the lead to six before Hotchkins went to the charity stripe and nailed both free throws to put the 'Hounds up eight.
 
"Our kids shared the ball very well all night," Prock added. "They did a great job of finding Brandi on the three pointer late in the game. Our kids have consistently hit big shots this year and just a great job by Brandi to knock it down. We've got one more game to prepare for on Monday and hopefully improve to 8-2."
 
"These kids have consistently been tough minded all season. They've kept their composure. They've stayed together and fought as a team. I'm very proud of all the players and coaches. I'm excited to be a part of everything we've done so far."
 
The Greyhounds return to the court on Monday, Dec. 19, against Western Washington. Tipoff is slated for 2:15 p.m. (MT). For the latest news, follow @ENMUAthletics and @ENMUwbb on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and visit goeasternathletics.com.