PORTALES, N.M. – The challenge read on the public address system before Thursday afternoon's youth game was to scream anytime Eastern New Mexico men's basketball scored. Well, the challenge was accepted and there was a lot of screaming as ENMU broke the school record for most points scored in a game. Eastern beat Navajo Tech, 133-33.

"It's always fun to show the youth what good, young men look like on the court," said guard Kevin Rankin after the team's win.

Two thousand elementary and middle school students swarmed Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena for the coveted youth day game. ENMU men's basketball gave it their best shot as they broke a 45-year school record. The most points scored by the program used to be 132 when the Hounds beat New Mexico Highlands in 1979.

"The kids," remarked freshman guard Mo Austin when asked about his favorite part of the game. The Pueblo, Colo. continued to praise the energy in the arena and how loud the fans were.

Six different Greyhounds scored in double figures, including four newcomers to the ENMU roster. Today was the first time fans saw the program in person as youth day also marked the home opener for the 2024-25 campaign.

Senior transfer Cougar Downing and third-year Hound Jose Murillo led the team with 18 points each. Downing scored all six of his baskets from behind-the-arc. Murillo took a different approach as six of his nine field goals were dunks.

Overall, ENMU shot well from the floor. They made 58-of-89 (65.2%) shot attempts and connected for a season-best 12 three's. What was most impressive came from the shot selection. Eastern New Mexico scored 86 points in the paint. Only three baskets for the Hounds came from midrange.

"Being able to see an arena full of kids excited to be here," said redshirt freshman Alex Alfaro when asked about his favorite moment from today. "Especially getting a win and exciting plays like alley-oops and dunks."

Alfaro is in his second season with ENMU and played in his first game at home after sitting out all last year. He finished with two points, two assists, a steal, and a rebound.

Jaden Clarke was ENMU's highest scoring bench player. The Bronx, N.Y. native posted 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting. Forwards Andrija Maric (16) and Brandon Kehres (14) joined Clarke as Hounds in double digits coming off the bench. Maric grabbed seven rebounds, including five on the offensive end. Kehres had four rebounds and only missed one shot from the floor.

Senior Mario Whitley has now had a double double in back-to-back games for Eastern New Mexico. He finished the afternoon with 15 points and ten rebounds. He also dished out five assists.

One of the neatest stats for the Hounds came from the ability to share the basketball. ENMU dished out a program record 43 assists in the win. Mo Austin, Kevin Rankin, and Cooper Jackson all had six assists each.

In total, all fourteen players for ENMU made a field goal, got a rebound, and dished out an assist in the game.

After the win, the Greyhound student-athletes signed various items from the local youth. Some of the more interesting items included shoes, water bottles, and chip bags according to some team members.

Eastern New Mexico will now prepare for a contest against a south central regional foe. ENMU hosts MSU-Denver at Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena next Wednesday. Tickets are now available.