Wednesday, March 02, 2016

ALLEN, TEXAS — The Eastern New Mexico University men's basketball team (5-21) pushed the tempo early on against top-seeded Midwestern State (22-5), but dropped a 112-68 decision in the opening round of the Lone Star Conference tournament. Deyton de la Cerda poured in 10 points, while Chaunce Hill grabbed six rebounds at the Allen Events Center.

"Our idea was to speed them up and press early in the game," said ENMU head coach Stott Carter. "We may have stayed in it too long."

The formula worked early on, as Eastern rallied from a 27-16 deficit midway through the first half. The Hounds closed within eight points, after a dunk from Hill and a trey from Kevin Saiz, to pull within 29-21, with 9:36 in the half. Midwestern State closed the half with a 34-10 run and pulled away for the win.

"We came with a press and they burned us in the second half," said de la Cerda. "They have good players and got the best of us tonight."

The Mustangs held a 53-42 edge in rebounding, but just a slim 20-19 lead on the offensive glass. Midwestern managed to score 30 points off turnovers in the contest.  De la Cerda and Saiz each scored 10 points for the Hounds, while Ladarius  Stewart and Travon Hall had nine apiece. Hill finished with eight points along with the six rebounds. Jordan Stevens scored 21 points for MSU, while Khapri Alston had 14 points and seven rebounds.

"(Khapri) Alston and (Trevor) Fuller are tough players," said Hill. "You have to match their intensity out there."

With the loss, the Eastern New Mexico University men's basketball team has concluded its season.