SAN ANGELO, Texas – Down by 18 points (80-62) with 2:40 left in the game, Eastern New Mexico men's basketball looked like they were looking ahead at next Thursday's matchup versus Cameron. Instead, the team managed to play a scrappy 2:38 and fell to No. 11 Angelo State, 88-85.

"Proud of that group that came in," remarked head coach Brent Owen on the group that helped ENMU put the game within three points. "They had great energy and forced some turnovers and hit some three's."

Eastern played with a mix of players in that time frame, including Tre'Von Love, Jason Holman, Jaxon Koroll, Jahcoree Ealy, and Junior Hodnett.

One of the toughest aspects of the game was defending the posts for Angelo State. The two Rams, Trey Farrer and D.J. Basey, combined for 38 points and were crucial in ASU knocking in 44 points in the paint.

The game was physical as 39 fouls were called. Less than three minutes into the contest, Angelo State's Willie Guy picked up three fouls. Despite missing one of their top players for the remainder of the half, ASU managed to find ways to score beyond shots from behind-the-arc.

Guy was not the only player getting early foul trouble as Eastern's Greg Johnson earned two fouls fairly quickly in the contest. That moved Rio Rancho, N.M. native Junior Hodnett in a crucial role for ENMU.

Hodnett faired well against Angelo State. He was able to disrupt ideal pass opportunities and keep Eastern in the contest on both ends.

He was also a major reason why the game was decided by a single possession. Hodnett finished with 15 points on 4-of-8 shooting from the floor. He connected on three triples on the evening, including a four-point play with 30 seconds remaining to put the game within three points.

"That was probably the best defensively I have seen him play in three years," said Owen on Hodnett after the game. "His defensive intensity led to some success on the offensive end."

Lone Star Conference preseason players to watch, Jahcoree Ealy (ENMU) and Kevon Godwin (ASU), did not disappoint on the court.

Ealy finished with 26 points and seven assists. Godwin posted 20 points alongside seven assists, as well.

However, Farrer was the toughest weapon for ASU as he posted 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting.

Team wise, ENMU struggled giving away offensive rebounds. On that end, the Hounds were outrebounded, 16-11. Those sixteen offensive rebounds for Angelo State led to a whopping 24 points. In fact, the Rams outscored the Greyhounds, 24-9, in that category.

Guard Lyron Bennett had a strong game for ENMU. The Boston, Mass. native earned 13 points with a majority in the opening half. Greg Johnson also continued to score buckets in two-straight games as he finished with 12 total.

Another positive mark for Eastrern New Mexico was the team's ability to knock down 50% of their shots from behind-the-arc. Ealy hit four and Hodnett made three. Bennett, Johnson, and Holman also got one for the Hounds.

The Greyhounds may have struggled for a majority of the contest tonight, but the next goal is already on the team's mind as they host Cameron at Greyhound Arena Thursday. More information is always available on goeasternathletics