PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico fell in a contest versus Western New Mexico, 82-73.

Before the game, the program honored two grad transfers as they played their final home games for the Greyhounds.

Those two included Eze Dike and Grehlon Easter.

"I'm just so thankful Grehlon and Eze both decided to join our program and gave us their last year of college basketball. The faith that they had in us as coaches and the faith that they had in themselves and the confidence they had in themselves and the confidence and faith they had in their teammates was incredible after the year we had last year," said head coach Brent Owen on the duo. "They believed we could turn this thing around and they've been a massive part of the turnaround in this program."

ENMU and WNMU kept the contest tied at 29 heading into the intermission. The first half saw the Greyhounds stay on pace with the Mustangs despite shooting just 30.77% (12-39 FG) from the floor.

For a third-straight game, Eastern New Mexico forced exactly 20 turnovers. Western struggled early keeping possession, but over the course of the game they started finding success in transition and used a 22-6 scoring spree to take the reins on the matchup. WNMU held the advantage in fast break opportunities, 33-20.

Easter scored the most points for the Hounds as he finished the night with 14 points and tied for a team-best five rebounds.

The Greyhounds held a brief two-point lead in the second half, but were unable to maintain the advantage as the Mustangs found opportunities with early second-half foul trouble for ENMU and quick passes inside the paint.

Monday's game was also the last home contest for graduate assistant coach Tim Bowlen.

"Coach Bowlen has a really bright future in this profession. He's a basketball junkie, he's all in 100%, he has a very good mind for the game, he has a good eye for talent, and he's one of the nicest guys you will ever meet," said head coach Brent Owen when asked about Bowlen after the game. "I just believe that will go a long way in this profession. I couldn't have asked for a better graduate assistant. It will be incredibly difficult to replace him."

Eastern will play one more game before the Lone Star Conference tournament as they head to Silver City for a rematch with the Mustangs Thursday night. The game will be livestreamed on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network and live play-by-play will be available by Doc Elder on 105.9 FM KSEL Country.