Thursday, March 2, 2017

ALLEN, TEXAS —Mikaehla Connor paced the Eastern New Mexico University women's basketball team (20-8) with 16 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals, Thursday night at the Allen Events Center. The Greyhounds dropped a 69-67 heartbreaker in overtime to Texas A&M-Kingsville (14-13) in a game which neither team led by more than five points.

"It was just a dissapointing loss," Connor said " we fought and worked really hard, but at the same time as long as we get another chance to play, we keep going then and can't think about this loss. We have to keep looking forward."

With the loss, the Lone Star Conference co-champion Greyhounds will wait for the upcoming NCAA selection show, to see if their season will continue. The Hounds ranked fourth in this week's NCAA regional poll. The NCAA Division II Women's Basketball selection show will be held on Sunday, March 5, at 6 p.m. MST at http://www.ncaa.com/live/player?vid=2017/2807&date=2017/03/05. The top eight teams in each region will qualify for the NCAA post-season tournament.

"Its definitely a disappointing loss," Head Coach Josh Prock said. "It's frustrating to lose today, but we have to pick our heads back up because there's a chance for some more basketball. We didn't hit enough shots or make enough plays down the stretch to win the game, but these kids have had tremendous heart all year and I'm sure we'll bounce back."

"Being a senior and getting to play, that's amazing," said Kassandra Harris. "Coming in as the number one seed is also great. We had a great year and this tournament and the last few games doesn't define us. What defines us is how we end, and I feel when we go to the regional tournament and do great, that's what is going to define our season."

The opening round contest was a wild one, which saw the lead change hands 17 times, with 11 tie scores. The Javelinas used an 18-7 edge in points off turnovers and a 20-7 lead in second-chance points to hand Eastern its only overtime setback this season in seven opportunities.

A Daeshi McCants trey with 2:23 remaining in regulation staked the Hounds to a 58-54 lead, but Texas A&M-Kingsville responded with the final four points of the quarter and pulled even on a pair of Kaylin Roher free throws with 1:38 left.

The Javelinas scored first in overtime on a three-point play from Tee Moore and never relinquished the lead. Eastern immediately responded with two free throws from Brandi Gomez to pull within one point, but could come no closer. Connor hit a layup with two seconds remaining to pull the Hounds within 69-67.

Eastern held a 53-43 edge on the boards, after being outrebounded by the Javelinas, 46-32 in the season finale. The Hounds led for 24:50 of play, while Texas A&M Kingsville held a lead for 13:18. Gomez contributed 12 points and nine rebounds, while Jasmine Hotchkins poured in nine points, grabbed five boards and dished out two assists. Sarina

Johnson scored seven points, while Kassandra Harris chipped in five points. Johna McClelland blocked three shots, as the Hounds blocked 10 for the game.

Roher led the Javelinas with 20 points, while Angelica Wilson scored 15.