PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico men's basketball trailed 42-40 at halftime against the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith, but a consistent shooting second half carried the team to its 13th conference victory, 92-85.
"Proud of our guys. It was not an easy game," said head coach
Brent Owen after the win. "UAFS fought hard and I felt like we battled and won on the glass."
The major advantage for Eastern New Mexico truly came from rebounding as they outrebounded the Lions, 53-41. Part of that success came from two players with double-doubles.
Mario Whitley finished with ten points and 11 rebounds. His teammate
Lyron Bennett posted a 14-point, 12-rebound performance to help the team earn a crucial result.
"I love when our guards rebound," remarked Owen when asked about the senior guard. "Lyron was incredible. I thought he was the difference in the game tonight."
Bennett's previous best rebounding mark (8) was in a win over Lubbock Christian at home last month. He battled for four offensive rebounds and eight on the defensive end.
He nearly earned a triple-double as he dished out a season-high nine assists. The Boston, Mass. native now has 105 assists this season.
"We stuck together as a brotherhood and kept our faith," said Bennett when asked about the win. "I appreciate my teammates for believing in me."
Senior
Greg Johnson had another strong offensive outing as he scored 30 points on 10-of-17 shooting. The Little Rock, Ark. guard is now averaging 17.0 points per contest for ENMU. In the win, he knocked down four three-pointers. He has posted six conference games with at least four made three's in 2023-24.
"Just an incredible story. To watch how much he developed and how big of a jump he took from last year to this year," said Owen on Johnson after the contest. "He is so big and strong and gets downhill. He is a problem to defend and he has really shown it the last couple games."
The Greyhounds posted five blocks with three coming from sophomore
Jose Murillo. The Chihuahua, Mexico native grabbed nine rebounds and added six points.
Conrad Luczynski continues to stay consistent off the bench for the Hounds as he scored 14 points and garnered eight rebounds.
ENMU will not set their eyes towards senior night against Western New Mexico. Thursday's game will be the home finale before the team's last regular season game and postseason play beginning in two weeks.