PORTALES, N.M. – The Eastern New Mexico men's basketball fell 82-74 in their regular season opener against Fort Lewis in the opening game of the 2018 New Mexico Classic hosted by the University of New Mexico.

The Hounds led 70-68 with just over two minutes remaining in the game, but saw Fort Lewis convert on all eight free throw attempts and all four attempts from the field in the final two minutes of the ball game. The Hounds on the other hand converted on just 1-of-6 attempts from the field over that same span.

Senior Chukuka Emili led the way for Eastern is his debut for the squad after transferring in this season from Houston Baptist, totaling 21 points and nine rebounds. Seniors Maurice Coleman and Zach Parker also reached double-digit point totals with 12 and 10 points respectively.

Eastern battled back from an early 23-16 deficit with just over seven minutes in the opening half and outscored the Skyhawks 19-to-12 the remainder of the half to tie the game up at 35 apiece thanks to an Emili lay-up as time expired. The Hounds connected on just 1-of-10 attempts from behind the three-point line in the opening half and shot just 15 percent (3-of-20) from long range for the afternoon.

Both teams battled to produce a sustainable lead throughout the majority of the second half before the outstanding finish for the Skyhawks ultimately downed the Hounds.

13 players saw time on the floor for the Hounds on a night in which the team shot 48.5 percent (32-of-66) from the field, but couldn't connect on the three point shot, while Fort Lewis hit 12-of-22 attempts from long range in the contest.

Sophomore guard Devin Pullum had a strong night off the bench for the Hounds, totaling nine points and three assists, while senior Archaim Lallemand provided his typical balanced showing with four points, four rebounds, and four assists.
The Hounds will take part in their final game of the 2018 New Mexico Classic inside Dreamstyle Arena tomorrow afternoon at 3 p.m. against New Mexico Highlands.