PORTALES, N.M. – Saturday's Eastern New Mexico football contest was all in the favor of UT Permian Basin. The visiting Falcons cruised past the Greyhound, 64-14, in matchup that saw UTPB win their fifth-straight game in series history over ENMU.

"Those are the cards we've been dealt," remarked head coach Kelley Lee after the loss. "We have to play them the best we can. I don't think we did that today."

Lee put focus on ENMU's struggles with injuries during the 2024 season. Through ten games this year, more than 40 players have hit the injured list for the Greyhounds. Many of those were impactful returners.

On the bright side, Eastern New Mexico is playing the next man up mentality and giving several freshman moments to shine. One of those newcomers includes linebacker Isaac Medrano who finished the game with four tackles and a sack. Medrano has gone back-to-back games with a sack.

The Greyhounds struggled to keep up with the continuous push from the Falcons. UTPB outgained ENMU, 575-245. UT Permian Basin also hurt Eastern New Mexico in areas where they typically shine. The visitors converted on 6-of-14 attempts on third down and 3-of-5 attempts on fourth down.

ENMU did have success with a pair of explosive plays. The first came via the speedy quarterback Rashad Carter in the first quarter and the second was a trick play pass from Chad Ragle to Dalton Flowers in the final quarter of the contest.

Those two plays secured the tenth time this season that ENMU has scored at least two touchdowns.

Other key Hounds in the matchup included Elijah Zeh who ran for 32 yards and caught a pair of passes for 17 yards. Defensively, Matthew Quartieri had a career-day with 21 total tackles.

Eastern will now put their full focus on a road game versus Texas A&M-Kingsville set for next Saturday night. The game will be streamed on FloSports.