Portales, NM – Eastern New Mexico men's basketball team fought a defensive battle as they fell 74-70 to the Angelo State Rams.

Both teams put up a strong defensive end while the offensive was neck and neck for majority of the contest. Neither teams hit double-digits on the score board until halfway through the first half. The Hounds defensive end forced 20 turnovers, took nine steals and out-rebounded the Rams 32-26. 

Back from the breather of the halftime break both teams were on fire as they kept putting up points and taking rebounds. The Hounds quickly caught up and tied the game 37-37 after a nine point scoring run. The Hounds turned cold on the offensive side as the Rams kept hitting their shots.

With five minutes left to play the Rams went on a scoring run while the Hounds slowly turned warm. Down 69-62 the Hounds pushed the ball, forced turnovers, and grabbed steals. Seconds left and Garrick Sherrod knocked down two free-throws bringing the game to a seven point difference. With less than ten seconds on the clock Devin Pullum put up a deep three to close the gap to four but there was not enough time for another play.

Both Jose Serrano and Garrick Sherrod shot perfect from the charity line not missing a shot. Jose Serrano led the Hounds not only in scoring with 19 points, but also in assists recording six and in rebounds with five. Garrick Sherrod ended the night with nine points, six of those coming from the free-throw line. Sherrod also recorded three assists and three rebounds.

The Greyhounds will head to Texas next week as they take on two LSC competitors. The Hounds first meet Texas A&M-International on Thursday, Jan. 23^rd then travel to Texas A&M-Kingsville on Saturday, Jan. 25^th