PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico Women's Basketball weren't able to overcome a slow second quarter, falling to Western New Mexico, 71-66, on Monday evening at Greyhound Arena. Eastern slip to 12-14 overall on the season, while moving to 9-12 in LSC play. The Mustangs improve to 9-16 overall on the season, with a conference record of 7-14.

The Greyhounds were on fire to start the game, hitting their first three shots (all from deep). Julieta Ceja started the contest with a triple, then Ashley Shipley knocked down a pair of threes to give ENMU a 9-0 lead. However, the Mustangs went on a huge 14-4 run to take the lead from the Greyhounds, 14-13 WNMU. Eastern took back the lead just before the 1^st quarter break, with Deja Adrian finding a layup, and Ceja connecting on a three, 18-16 ENMU.
 
Western New Mexico took control of the game at the start of the second quarter. A 14-2 run to start the period gave WNMU a 10-point lead with less than four minutes in the half, 30-20 WNMU. A jumper from Bella Stone ended the scoring drought, but the Mustangs held a 34-24 lead over the Greyhounds at the break.
 
Eastern fought back to open the third period, using a 10-2 run to cut into the Mustangs lead. KiKi Roberts started the scoring with a fastbreak layup, then Deja Adrian scored eight straight points for the Greyhounds. The Mustangs eased some of the pressure with six straight points and took a seven point lead into the final period, 46-39 WNMU.
 
In the final period, ENMU made a push offensively to catch up with the Mustangs, but Western New Mexico had an answer for every Eastern basket. Western New Mexico found success from behind the three point arc, and took a 13 point lead over ENMU with 4:41 to play, 59-46 WNMU. The Greyhounds did not quit, with Shipley finding a pair of layups, two threes, and Adrian suppling a pair of buckets. The Mustangs held out to finish the game 71-66 over the Greyhounds.

NOTABLE STATS

• Both teams shot very while from the field, with the Greyhounds posting a 44.6% field goal percent (25-56), 8-20 from behind the arc (40.0%), and converting eight of 14 attempts at the foul line (57.1%). The Mustangs provided a 44.1% field goal percentage (26-59), accumulated a 28.6% shooting from deep (6-21), and only converted 59.1% of their free throws (13-22).
• Adrian and Shipley combined for 40 points in the Greyhounds scoring effort, with Adrian posting 22 points, and Shipley tallying 18 points.
• On the glass, Adrian led the team with 11 boards, and Ceja was next among the Greyhounds with five rebounds.
• Additionally, Stone and Adrian produced four assists, along with Stone and Roberts providing two steals on defense. Ceja posted two blocks in the contest.

FROM THE SOURCE

"We started the game with great punch from the 3 point line, hitting three in a row," said Head Women's Basketball Coach Meghan De los Reyes. "We did not guard the paint or rebound as well as we needed to in order to be successful tonight. Ashley and Deja gave us significant production on the offensive end, again showing they are two players who can really score in bunches," said De los Reyes. "We want to thank our seniors for their dedication and contribution to our program and university, they will be greatly missed!"

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• Adrian secured a double-double for the seventh time this season, securing 22 points and 11 rebound. The Junior also tied a season best 11 rebounds during the game.
• Shipley converted a season best seven made field goals during the game.
• Before the game, Eastern New Mexico honored its three graduating senior student athletes, and two assistant coaches. Stacy Ajobiewe, Julia Chavez, Lazurea Saunders, graduate assistant coach Yaremi Mejia, and student assistant Edgar Chavira were all recognized before the start of the game.
• ENMU play its last game of the regular season on the road, traveling to Silver City, N.M. to square off with the Mustangs of Western New Mexico. First tip against is scheduled for 5 p.m.