Portales, NM – In their first series history meeting, the Eastern New Mexico men's basketball team nearly went into overtime taking a 52-51 win against the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.

Only one Hound scored over ten points in a game that proved to be a team, and a defensive effort, as the Hounds took their first home court victory. Pushing the Lions to 23 turnovers, and stopping UAFS from scoring for over four minutes, the Hounds are now 2-2 in the LSC.

At the 12:10 mark in the second half the Hounds trailed 40-31. However, the Hound defense stopped the Lions by connecting on any baskets for over four minutes going on a 9-0 point run. Tying it up at the 7:26 minute mark, Jose Serrano on the line, the Hounds took their first lead of the contest. Their impeccable defense took the Lions down to the shot clock buzzer twice in a row as the Hounds kept gaining momentum.

30 seconds left on the clock, a layup by the Lions tied the game at 51. With the position arrow pointing towards the Hound bench, one more play could secure the first home win. As the ball is inbounded, Ibn Zaid dribbled back and forth waiting for the clock to run down. A pass to Marvin Mapaga and a fouled layup took Mapaga to the line. Missing the first but connecting on the second the Hounds secured their first win inside the Greyhound arena.

Jose Serrano led the Hounds in scoring after going 2-4 from beyond the arc recording 11 points for the game. Marvin Mapaga not only scored the game winning shot, but also ended the night with seven points, four rebounds, and one blocked shot. Deng Kuany followed not far behind with eight points and two steals.

The Hounds continue conference play as they welcome the Oklahoma Christian Eagles to the Greyhound Arena Saturday at 4:00 pm.