PORTALES, N.M. – Clutch free throws in the final minute sealed an Eastern New Mexico Women's Basketball victory over Midwestern State, 65-61, on Saturday afternoon at Greyhound Arena. With the win, ENMU are off the mark in conference play, 1-7, while sporting a 5-9 overall record. The Mustangs drop to 4-11 on the season, while holding a 4-5 Lone Star Conference standing.
 
Both teams started quickly with Eastern holding a 7-6 after the 3:30 minutes played. Later with the Hounds leading 11-9, Midwestern State closed the first quarter on a 9-0 run to take the lead, 18-11. After an opening bucket from Midwestern State to start the second quarter, ENMU opened an 18-1 stretch to leap ahead of the Mustangs. Daci Smith, Ishuana Hunter, and Deja Adrian each scored a fastbreak layup to start the streak, then Jaz Salon secured a pair of layups later in the run to take a 29-21 lead. A late three gave the Greyhounds a 32-23 lead going into the locker room. In total, ENMU outscored MSU 21-5 in the quarter forcing six turnovers and allowing just two field goals.
 
To start the third period, Eastern picked up where they left off with Smith and Hunter connecting from the floor. Both teams went back and forth, but the Greyhounds slowly built a healthy lead reaching 15 points, 51-36. MSU cut the gap to 11 points at the 3^rd quarter break. The Mustangs surged back to begin the 4^th frame, finding high percentage shots and getting to the foul line. MSU jumped back in front with 1:25 on the clock with the score at 59-58. For the remainder of the contest, Adrian took over going to the foul line eight times in the final minute and converting seven of eight free throws. The free throws sealed the game for ENMU, 65-61.

NOTABLE STATS

• The Greyhounds topped out at 34.9% from the field (22-63), connecting on 25.0% of their three-pointers (6-24), while holding a 75.0% shooting percentage from the foul line (15-20). Meanwhile, the Mustangs shoot 41.8% from the floor (23-55), finishing 3-12 from behind the arc (25.0%), and 70.6% at the foul line (12-17).
• Each team secured 37 rebounds during the game, while ENMU held the edge in the turnover battle (11-16).
• Four Greyhounds reached double-figures: Adrian (16 points), Salon (14 points), Smith (11 points), and Hunter (10 points). Adrian finished 10-14 from the foul line, taking 70% of the Greyhounds 20 free-throw attempts.
• Adrian finished with a game high 10 rebounds, while Hunter and Jamila Nansikombi-Gunter each pulled down six boards. Hunter paced the team with four assists and three steals, while Salon collected a pair of blocks.

FROM THE SOURCE

"I thought we responded well and had some players step up today," said Head ENMU Women's Basketball Coach Blake Huber. "Daci (Smith) played great, and Jaz (Salon) responded from Thursday coming off the bench. It was a valiant effort for our group and I'm super proud of them to get the win," said Huber. "I'm really excited to hopefully carry it into next week,".

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• Adrian secured their first double-double of the season, pulling down a season best 10 rebounds. The Houston, Texas native also bested their previous mark for made free throws (10) and free throw attempts (14). Hunter dished out a season best four assists, while Salon posted a pair of blocks (personal high).
• Smith poured in a career best 11 points, setting career marks for minutes (20), made field goals (4), field goal attempts (7), made three-point field goals (3), and three-point field goal attempts (6).
• With the win, ENMU snapped a seven-game losing skid and earned their first conference win of the season.
• Eastern continue their home stand on Thursday, Jan. 18, against Lubbock Christian. First tip from Greyhound Arena is expected for 5 p.m.