WICHITA FALLS, Texas – Eastern New Mexico Women's Basketball used a fourth quarter comeback to beat Midwestern State, 65-60, on Thursday evening at D.L. Ligon Coliseum. ENMU improved to 8-13 overall, while posting a 4-11 conference record. Meanwhile, the Mustangs slip to 5-17 on the season, with a 5-11 LSC record.
 
The Greyhounds hit their first shot of the game, with Jaz Salon cashing in a three-pointer on the right wing. The offense's success in the first quarter continued, with ENMU maintaining a lead through most of the quarter. A 11-5 run helped the Hounds take a four-point lead after the first period (19-15). Salon continued their scoring in the second quarter, with six points in the first two minutes of the second quarter. With ENMU leading by six points, the home team compiled an 11-0 streak to take a 32-27 lead. The Greyhounds took back the lead before halftime (37-34), ending the period with a 10-2 run.
 
Midwestern State locked down defensively to start the third quarter, holding the Greyhounds scoreless over the opening seven minutes and 21 seconds, as MSU took a 45-37 lead. Eastern ended the scoring drought with a Deja Adrian jumper and only trailed by four points going into the final quarter. After a back and forth to start the quarter, ENMU tied the game at 53-53 following a Salon layup. After Adrian took the lead for Eastern 55-53, both teams went back and forth as Midwestern State took back the lead with a three-point basket, 60-59. From then, ENMU locked down on defense over the final 1:42 outscoring MSU 6-0 over the final minutes. Adrian scored five of the final six points, with Ishuana Hunter securing a vital defensive rebound with 10 seconds to play. Eastern walks away with a 65-60 road win over Midwestern State.

NOTABLE STATS

• Eastern's offense shot 41.7% from the field (25-60), hit five of 16 three-pointers (31.3%), while finishing 10-12 at the foul line. The Mustangs sported a 46.0% field goal percentage (23-50), had an identical three-point percentage to the Greyhounds (31.3%, 5-16), while posting a 81.8% free throw percentage (9-11).
• The Greyhounds bested Midwestern State on the glass (34-31), while having more assists (10-9) and steals (11-7).
• Salon and Adrian were the driving force for the ENMU offense, with Salon posting 22 points (8-17 FG, 3-6 3PT FG) and Adrian adding 21 points (8-12 FG, 5-6 FT). Hunter contributed eight points, while Vanessa Oduah added seven points.
• Hunter gathered a team high 12 rebounds along with three steals. Adrian and Alecia Whyte each secured five rebounds, while Salon had a team best three assists and three steals.

FROM THE SOURCE

"Super proud of the fight our team showed tonight," said Head ENMU Women's Basketball Coach Blake Huber. "It was a hostile environment and we answered their runs. Players made plays and carried us to victory in the 4^th," said Huber. "Jaz (Salon) and Deja (Adrian) were huge offensively. Alecia (Whyte) really guarded well and Ishuana (Hunter) cleaned up the glass," said Huber. "It feels good to get a road win, we've been so close in so many road games this year, and our players deserved this win. We are hopeful we can build on this going into Saturday," said Huber.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

• Eastern bested the Mustangs for the first time at D.L. Ligon Coliseum since 2017, when the Greyhounds won 61-57 (2/16/17). The win also marks the first season sweep of Midwestern State since the 2016-17 season.
• Salon finished with a season best 22 points in the game, while Adrian eclipsed the 20-point mark for the third time this season.
• Additionally, Salon tied a career high with eight field goals. Their most since they finished 8-12 in a win over Adams State (11/16). Hunter crossed double-digit rebounds for the third time this season.
• The Greyhounds continue the road trip, heading to Lawton, Okla. to face Cameron University on Saturday, Feb. 10. The first tip is scheduled for 12 p.m. (MST) from Aggie Gym.