PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico Woman's Basketball signed off 2022 with 65-60 comeback win over UT Permian Basin on Friday evening at Greyhound Arena. ENMU advance to 6-4 on the season, 3-2 in LSC action, along with a 1-0 record in West Division play. UTPB slip to 6-6 overall, with a 3-3 in conference play, and 0-2 in West Division play.
 
The contest was tight throughout with both teams going back and forth to start the game. Eastern took its first led of the night after a Edecia Beck layup with five minutes to play in the first quarter, 9-8. Both teams traded baskets rest of the period, with a last second layup giving the Falcons a 18-17 advantage.
 
UT Permian Basin pulled away from ENMU with 23-17 led to open the second quarter. However, Eastern took the lead back at 28-27 following a steal into a transition layup for Julieta Ceja. The lead swung back to the Falcons after a jumper and ended the half with a 35-33 lead over the Greyhounds.
 
To start the 3^rd quarter, both teams had a short spurt of points with the score at 39-36 UTPB with five minutes to play in the quarter. A Bella Stone three pointer tied the contest at 44-44, but the Falcons layup just at the end of the quarter put UTPB in front 46-44.
 
Trailing by just one basket to start the 4^th quarter, Eastern New Mexico locked down the UTPB offensive during a 10-0 over the first 6:11 of the period. Ashley Shipley knocked down a three to give the Greyhounds the lead, then Stone converted a layup and hit a free throw after getting fouled. Beck ended the run with two free throws, then set up Ceja for a layup for a 54-48 lead. UT Permian Basin broke the scoreless run with five unanswered points, 54-51 ENMU. With baskets going back and forth, UTPB brought the score to 61-58 with just a minute to play. However, the Greyhounds hit four free throws down the stretch to finish on top 65-60 over the Falcons.

NOTABLE STATS

• The Greyhounds finished the evening shooting 31.7% from the field (19-60), 22.2% from distance (8-36), and 79.2% at the foul line (19-24). Meanwhile, the Falcons posted a stat line of 30.8% from the field (20-65), 25.0% from behind the arc (7-28), and 86.7% at the free throw line (13-15).
• Beck led the Greyhounds with 14 points and 14 rebounds, while Shipley chipped in 14 points, and Stone registered 12 points.
• Shipley was also vital in the rebounding with eight boards, while Stone collected five rebounds.
• Stone paced Eastern with four assists, while Shipley, Beck, and Ceja each finished with two assists.
• Ceja provided a team best three steals, with Shipley posting a block.

FROM THE SOURCE

"We had great energy tonight and everyone contributed in big ways," said Head Woman's Basketball Coach Meghan De los Reyes. "We showed togetherness and positivity all the way through and did and outstanding job executing and staying poised down the stretch. It was a great team win to close out 2022 and we look to carry the momentum into the new year on Sunday," said De los Reyes.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• Beck pulled down a season best 14 rebounds, along with 14 points, for their first double-double of the season.
• 14 rebounds are a single game high from any ENMU student-athlete this season.
• The contest featured 11 lead changes and six tied scores.
• Eastern control the all-time series with the Falcons, leading 9-3 in the series. ENMU have won the last three contests against UTPB.
• Beck and Marley Freeman made their first starts of the season for the Greyhounds.
• The Greyhounds return to the floor on Sunday, Jan. 1, kicking off the New Year with a contest (RV) Angelo State. First tip is at 1 p.m.