PORTALES, N.M. – The Eastern New Mexico University women's basketball team fought off a furious second half rally from Texas Woman's on Thursday evening in Greyhound Arena, claiming an 84-81 win over the Pioneers. The Greyhounds improve to 18-5 on the season and 14-2 in Lone Star Conference action while maintaining the top spot in the league.
 
"After playing four games in seven days and going 3-1 in that stretch, I'm very proud of our kids with their heart, toughness and the chemistry they continue to show," ENMU Head Coach Josh Prock said. "Texas Woman's did a great job out of the half of making adjustments. I'm very proud of the way our guards distributed the ball."
 
Junior wing Mikaehla Connor came a rebound shy of a double-double and three assists shy of a triple-double. The Dallas, Texas, product finished with 16 points, nine rebounds and seven assists while committing just two turnovers in 40 minutes of action.
 
"KK really stepped up when we needed it the most tonight," Prock added. "I thought we rebounded very well tonight."
 
Kassandra Harris also approached the double-double mark, finishing with a team-high 19 points and shooting 50% from the court. The Albuquerque native grabbed seven boards and had a pair of assists in the winning effort. Brandi Gomez and Johna McClelland added 11 and 10 points, respectively, to finish in double figures.
 
The Greyhounds raced out to a 47-30 lead at the half after shooting almost 53% from the court, including a commanding first quarter, building a 22-9 lead. Eastern opened up the game with a 12-0 run, holding the Pioneers without a bucket for the first four and a half minutes of the night.
 
Despite the early cushion, Texas Woman's Kenesha Saygo produced a strong second half performance, scoring 24 of her 36 points in the final two periods. Even with the lead cut to one at 72-71 with 4:57 to play, the Green and Silver never relinquished the edge. Eastern allowed just one field goal, a desperation three at the buzzer, over the final 2:30 of the game.
 
The Greyhounds return to the court on Thursday, Feb. 16 against Midwestern State. Tipoff is slated for 4:30 p.m. against the Mustangs in Wichita Falls. For the latest news on all ENMU athletics, visit GoEasternAthletics.com.