PORTALES, N.M. – The final Eastern New Mexico (8-2, 4-0 LSC) men's basketball game of 2023 is finally here. A year that saw the Greyhounds advance to the Lone Star Conference tournament and now have began the season with its best ten-game start since 1996-97. Before ENMU plays at the University of New Mexico, please view the Starting Five:
1.) Youth Day Success: Eastern brought in 3,118 fans to watch the team beat Navajo Tech, 104-69, December 19. The Hounds marked the seventh best attendance mark for single game attendance and currently rank tenth among all programs in DII for average attendance. The game also saw a career-high 28 points for Chihuahua, Mexico native
Jose Murillo and a 21st century record 31 assists for the team. ENMU hit the century mark in scoring for the fifth time this season. They have not had that many 100+ point games since 1995-96.
2.) Ealy's Eager: One of the bright spots early in the season for the Greyhounds is courtesy of wing
Jahcoree Ealy. The Arkansas native is averaging a conference-best 24.1 points per game and was named the national player of the week after a week that saw him score 31 points versus UT Tyler and 42 points against No. 7 DBU. He connects on 62.2% of his shot attempts slithering his way inside the paint for a majority of his buckets. This week, a Twitter analysis ranked him as an efficient player with scoring in the paint and in transition.
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3.) History Lesson: On December 2, 1991, the Greyhounds came into the Pit in Albuquerque. An Earl Diddle led program took care of business and beat the Lobos, 81-76. The loss to ENMU remains New Mexico's most recent loss to a Division II foe. Jeff Cooper carried the team with 23 points on 6-of-9 shooting from behind the arc. Three other starters scored in double figures – Shonteau Joshua (18), Jason Gay (15), and Anthony Sullen (10). The Hounds hit 11 three-pointers compared to just six for the Lobos. The announced attendance was 15,135.
4.) Local Connections: Rio Rancho, N.M. native
Junior Hodnett will be returning to the Albuquerque metro area. The former high school standout is making his mark for ENMU this season. He is averaging 8.3 points per game and has appeared in all ten for the Green and Silver. A starter in three different games, Hodnett is a sharpshooter going 22-for-42 from behind the arc. Former Highland HS star,
Jose Murillo will be back at a spot that he enjoys. Why? He helped the Hornets win a state title inside the Pit as a senior. The 6-9 big man is enjoying a successful sophomore campaign with 10.1 points per game and tied for a team-best 17 blocks.
5.) Break the Streak: Both UNM and ENMU come into the game receiving votes in their respective polls. The Lobos are rolling into the final game of 2023 on a ten-game win streak. They have the second strongest record (24-1) in nonconference games among all DI programs over the past two seasons. New Mexico has not lost inside the Pit since the 2021-22 season in a contest versus SMU. This will be head coach Richard Pitino's first time facing the Greyhounds. For fans looking to watch the game for free, check out the Mountain West Network. For those who prefer radio, Doc Elder will be on the call for KSEL Country.
