CANYON, Texas – A high-scoring affair went in the favor of West Texas A&M, 108-97, Saturday evening at First United Bank Center.

In the closing moments of the first half, Eastern New Mexico found themselves in foul trouble and needed to rely on the bench at a crucial moment in the game.

Down by 18, the crew did not let up and got the game within 13 points (55-42) at the break.

"I was really proud of the group who was in late in the first," said head coach Brent Owen. "They are a young group and helped us cut into the lead and get us within striking difference. They gave us a fighting chance."

The Greyhounds took opportunity of that chance completing a 9-0 run between the end of the first and the opening moments of the final period to put the score at 55-46.

WT did connect on a pair of early three's and pushed towards a 15-point lead, however the Hounds did not count themselves out quite yet.

With 5:44 remaining in the contest, ENMU saw the deficit go to 80-76 after two made shots from Jahcoree Ealy at the charity stripe.

The game would get within four after the teams traded scores on the ensuing possessions, but the late-game scenario gave the Buffs the final edge in the contest.

"In one of the toughest places in DII basketball our guys played hard, tough, and together," said Owen on ENMU's effort throughout the game. "Cutting the lead to four points late in the second half and compete for a win showed toughness from them. I am proud of the guys and look forward for another crack at WT in Portales."

Six different players on both squads connected for double digit scoring. Ealy paced ENMU with 24 points on the night. Nineteen of those came in the second half for the junior from Arkansas. The WT faithful was graced with his infamous "shimmy" on 9-of-11 shooting from the line.

Greg Johnson became another vital component to Eastern's push over the final 21 minutes of the battle. He went for 16 points and had six rebounds.

Joining Ealy and Johnson with high-scoring marks include Grehlon Easter (14 pts), Junior Hodnett (11 pts), Jose Murillo (10 pts), and Errol White (10 pts).

Hodnett played 19:31 off the bench and cleared his previous career-high in scoring. He was one of two Hounds to hit multiple shots from behind the arc. Easter also hit two three's against the Buffs.

One of the highlights of this game came from ENMU's effort on the glass. As a team, they outrebounded a physical WT squad, 46-27. White wrote himself into the men's basketball record books as he tied for the second-best single game rebounding day for a player with 18 boards.

Another notable stat is that both teams combined for 85 free throw attempts.

Next up for ENMU is a date with Texas A&M International Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. at Greyhound Arena. All students are encouraged to come and get a t-shirt. Limited quantities are available so please arrive early.