Saturday, February 20, 2016

COMMERCE, TEXAS — The Eastern New Mexico University women's basketball team (10-15; LSC 5-10) faced a 24-point deficit at Texas A&M-Commerce (15-12; LSC 8-7), but closed to within six points twice, before falling 69-59, Saturday afternoon. Mikaehla Connor poured in a career-best 18 points and blocked a pair of shots in the Lone Star Conference game at The Field House.

The Lions scored the first nine points of the game and held a 23-8 lead after the first quarter of play. The teams went back-and-forth in the second quarter, with Connor scoring six points to lead the Hounds. An 8-1 run by A&M-Commerce was capped in the third quarter by Shomari Harris to give the Lions a 54-30 advantage.

The teams traded buckets until Sarah Stinnett hit a jumper followed by a trey to ignite an 18-2 Greyhound run. The surge whittled what was a 60-39 deficit down to just 63-57, with 3:22 left. Connor capped the run with a layup. Eastern would close to with six points on one final occasion before A&M-Commerce held on for the win.

Texas A&M-Commerce held a 19-10 edge in points off turnovers. Stinnett scored 15 points and grabbed four rebounds, while Kassandra Harris chipped in 11 points and nine boards. Artaejah Gay paced the Lions with 15 points.

The Eastern New Mexico University women's basketball team will close the regular season at home against West Texas A&M, next Saturday. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. MT.