PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico Women's Basketball held the high scoring Angelo State to just 55 points, during a 60-55 victory on Thursday evening at Greyhound Arena. With the victory, ENMU improves to 7-12 overall on the season, while holding a 3-10 Lone Star Conference record. Meanwhile, the Rambelles shift to 15-7 this campaign and a 9-4 standing in conference action.
 
Both teams quickly started on offense, with each team scoring on their first possessions. Both teams traded baskets midway through the opening period, with the score tied at 13-13. In the closing stages of the period, the Rambelles ended the 1^st quarter on a 6-0 run to take a 20-16 lead. Eastern quickly responded to start the second quarter with a pair of buckets to tie the game, but from that point ASU went on an 8-0 streak to take a 28-20 advantage. However, Eastern fought back in the rest of the period to cut the ASU advantage to 32-29 at halftime.
 
With the score at 34-29 ASU with 8:24 in the 3rd quarter, the Greyhounds posted an 8-0 streak to take the lead from ASU. Deairah Mays started the scoring with a three-pointer, then Ishuana Hunter connected for two, and Deja Adrian scored an and-one layup to lead 37-34. The Rambelles responded in the final stages of the quarter, holding a 45-42 lead with 10 minutes to play. With the scored tied at 47-47 with just over five minutes to play, Hunter took control of the offense scoring six unanswered points, 53-47. Shortly after, Adrian converted another layup while getting fouled to put the Hounds up seven, 56-49. The Rambelles brought the game to just one point (56-55), but the Hounds defense held strong in the final 30 seconds as Adrian iced the game with four free throws. Eastern pulled away with the victory, 60-55, over Angelo State.

NOTABLE STATS

• The Greyhounds provided a 36.9 field goal percentage, making 22 shots on 58 attempts. From behind the three-point line, ENMU finished 6-16 (37.5%) along with a 66.7% free throw percentage (10-15). Meanwhile, Angelo State were held to just 34.4% shooting from the floor (21-61), 20.0% from deep (3-15), and stroked a 66.7% free throw percentage.
• ASU held the edge for rebounding (44-32), while ENMU provided more steals in the game (8-6) and blocks (3-2).
• Adrian and Hunter spearheaded the Hounds offense, with 18 points and 17 points, respectively. Adrian finished with four field goals and nine free throws, while Hunter shot 8-15 from the floor in the win.
• Both Adrian and Hunter also led the team in rebounding, each pulling down eight rebounds. Other key performances included Jaz Salon with eight points, six rebounds, and three assists, and Vanessa Oduah posting six points, three rebounds, and three steals. Ashley Shipley had a team best four assists in the game.

FROM THE SOURCE

"I thought that was our best scout defensive performance of the year and we really executed on that side of the ball," said Head ENMU Women's Basketball Coach Blake Huber. "Deja (Adrian) and Ishuana (Hunter) carried us and made big plays down the stretch offensively. We got big contributions from everyone tonight," said Huber "This team has faced a ton of adversity all season long, and they keep swinging and digging their heels in and fighting. I'm very proud of the effort they put forward, and this is another big win for our program," said Huber.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• The Greyhounds beat Angelo State for the first time since Feb. 6^th ,2020 (W, 84-60), snapping a four-game losing skid against the Rambelles. ENMU claimed victory over the Rambelles at home for the first time since Feb. 6^th, 2019 (W, 71-67).
• Defensively, Eastern held the Belles to their lowest point total in the series history since 2013, when the Rambelles came away with a 54-47 win over Eastern (Jan. 30^th, 2013).
• ENMU tied a season best performance for blocking, totaling three blocks in the game. The Greyhounds previously had three blocks in wins over Midwestern State (W, 65-61 - 1/13/24) and UCCS (W, 57-48 – 11/25/23)
• Mays posted a season high 20 minutes during the game, while tying a season best two made three-pointers. Salon posted a season best six rebounds, playing all 40 minutes for the second time this season.
• Eastern look to continue this momentum into their next home game on Saturday, facing UT Permian Basin at Greyhound Arena. The first tip is scheduled for 1 p.m. between the Falcons and Greyhounds.