PORTALES, N.M. – The race for the Lone Star Conference title got much more interesting tonight as a couple results shifted some top teams in the west division. Eastern New Mexico's, 80-72, win over (RV) Lubbock Christian will play a major role in the standings and makes Saturday's game versus No. 2 West Texas A&M even more vital.
Persistent defense and the ability to disrupt a hot-shooting LCU team was the recipe for success for the Greyhounds Thursday night. ENMU held the visitor's to just 1-for-11 from behind the arc in the first half and 7-for-25 (28%) total.
"They are a really good team. It took a better defensive effort than we have had all season," said head coach
Brent Owen when asked what it took to win tonight. "We defended the ball and because we defended the ball well, that allowed us to stay home on shooters."
Only three Chaps posted double digits tonight. Those included Najeeb Muhammad (26), Tiras Morton (13), and Aaron Gonzales (12).
On the other hand, Eastern New Mexico made an effort to take shots in a variety of areas. They outscored LCU in the paint, 36-28, and hit one more three-pointer (8) than Lubbock Christian made.
Four Hounds saw their names hit double digits with
Jahcoree Ealy going the distance for 19 points.
Greg Johnson finished with 15,
Mario Whitley added 14, and
Lyron Bennett had 13.
The point guards for ENMU played aggressive yet smart. Bennett saw 34 minutes of action and
Tre'Von Love led all bench players with 22 minutes. Love connected on both of his attempts from deep range and added five rebounds and three assists.
Bennett needed to have a high-quality game because LCU's guard play has proven to be a difficult matchup for several top-caliber programs this season. The Boston, Mass. native showcased his senior leadership by dishing out four assists and only turning the ball over one time. He also tied for a team-best eight rebounds.
"It's great to have a point guard who can control the game and make great decisions," said Owen on Bennett. "Especially late when you are handling the lead."
ENMU held the lead for 37:16 and LCU had the edge for zero seconds.
The game was never a blowout as the Chaps tied the game on two different occasions – 2-2 (19:22) and 7-7 (16:00). The Greyhounds would extend the lead to as many as 16 points late in the first half, but Lubbock Christian did not lose focus in the following period.
With 12 minutes remaining, LCU was within one point (46-45). However, that lasted a brief moment and Eastern managed to keep the game in the multi-possession range the rest of the way.
Less than halfway into the slate of conference action, ENMU has beaten the conference preseason No. 3, No. 4, No. 5, No. 7, No. 9, No. 15, and No. 16 teams. Eastern was chosen to finish eighth among conference teams as voted by media, coaches, and sports information directors before the start of the season.
The Greyhounds get another prime opportunity for a top win as they host No. 2 West Texas A&M Saturday at 3 p.m. The Buffs are undefeated in conference play and are coming off a 30-point win in Silver City, N.M. ENMU students will get a free hot dog for attending the game and fans will be entered into a raffle for three different items courtesy of Apex Collision Center.
ENMU is on their best start to conference play (7-2) since 2003-04.