DURANGO, Colo. – For a second-straight season, a buzzer-beater decided the result between Eastern New Mexico and No. 15 Fort Lewis College.

With ten seconds remaining, a pair of free throws from Greg Johnson gave ENMU the 74-73 edge. Nine seconds later and Junior Garbrah snuck past a Hound defender to score the buzzer-beating layup to win the game for FLC.

Just one year ago, something similar happened as the Skyhawks hit a deep three to get past Eastern to begin the 2022-23 campaign.

At halftime, the game didn't look like it would come to the final play. The home side led, 38-24, forcing ENMU to connect on just 9-of-30 (30%) from the floor over the opening 20 minutes.

Both teams struggled from behind the arc combining 2-for-18 in the first half, but that didn't bother FLC as they went 15-for-26 inside the arc. The final 20 minutes at Whalen Gymnasium proved much different for both sides.

"The good thing is, we have a heck of a ball team. To come from behind in this environment down 14 against a very talented team, I am proud of the fight that we had," said head coach Brent Owen after the game. "I am encouraged by the toughness I saw."

By the first media timeout, Greg Johnson's three-pointer pushed the score within seven and ENMU looked like a team with additional life.

Over the next eight minutes, both teams slowed down attack-wise and kept the margin within 7-12 points.

That was the case until the Greyhounds went on a 12-0 run complimented by buckets from Conrad Luczynski, Tre'Von Love, Lyron Bennett, and some free throws via Johnson. The wild turn-of-events gave Eastern its first lead since the 6:47 mark in the first half. With the slim edge at 63-61, new energy was ignited on the ENMU bench.

With two minutes remaining, FLC took the lead, 69-68. Eastern managed to regain the lead with ten seconds left, but the final shot of the night went to the ranked Skyhawks.

Foul trouble proved to be an alarm for Eastern New Mexico as six fouls were committed over the opening five minutes of the final period. Essentially, the fouls allowed the Skyhawks to stay in the gaame because of free throws. In total, Fort Lewis shot 34 free throws.

Jahcoree Ealy continued his strong showing in Durango with 28 points, six rebounds, and two steals. His teammate, Johnson went for 19 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

ENMU moves to 2-2 on the year with wins over New Mexico Highlands and Adams State.

Conference play begins November 30 when the Hounds host St. Edward's inside Greyhound Arena.