FRISCO, Texas – Eastern New Mexico men's basketball won the 2024 Lone Star Conference tournament off a buzzer-beating Lyron Bennett three-pointer. The program's 91-88 victory over Lubbock Christian guarantees the Greyhounds spot in the NCAA tournament – ENMU's third appearance in school history.

"Unbelievable," remarked Bennett after the win. "I want to thank my brothers and coach for believing in me and trusting me to run the offense."

Bennett had only attempted 69 shots from behind the arc before today's championship game, but the senior from Boston, Mass. proved he can connect from distance as he sunk both of his attempts from deep range.

The most important came after a Chaps missed shot with five seconds remaining. Junior transfer Mario Whitley grabbed the rebound and connected with Bennett.

Initially Bennett was going to dish the ball out to Jahcoree Ealy for a touch in the paint, but he realized the clock was winding down rapidly. The point guard stopped at the arc and connected on a shot of a lifetime.

"It's unbelieveable. I am so thankful for these guys," said head coach Brent Owen in the postgame press conference. "The reason we won that game is because they believed we could win."


Throughout the weekend, the Hounds played connected and managed to score 90+ points in each game.

"I felt good coming into the tournament. This is a brotherly love that they have," said Owen on ENMU's chemistry. "When you are fighting for someone you love, you are willing to give the extra inch."

Bennett not only led the offensive attack for the majority of the game, but he also helped Eastern New Mexico outrebound the Chaps, 36-26. The senior grabbed eight total on the afternoon.

"I think he's the whole reason our offense has been the best in the league," said Owen on Lyron Bennett and his efforts in helping ENMU improve drastically offensively. "For him to hit that shot and get all-conference, things are coming full circle."

One of the toughest challenges on paper and during the game is the size of Eastern New Mexico. The Greyhounds trusted in sophomore Jose Murillo to provide efficient support in the paint and he proved worthy of the moment.

"He was the answer down the stretch," said Owen on the 6-9 Chihuahua, Mexico native.

Murillo scored 20 points, garnered six rebounds, and swatted three shots. He also went a perfect 7-for- from the floor today.

"I always believe in my teammates," said Murillo after the championship win. "All my beliefs were in them and they did it."

The effort down the stretch could not have been completed without the presence of the Lone Star Conference Tournament MVP Jahcoree Ealy. The Conway, Arkansas native scored 21 points and joined Murillo in blocking three shots.

Ealy was effective driving the ball, draining free throws, and also connected on a three-pointer.

Greg Johnson also earned all-LSC tournament team honors as he finished with 18 points on the afternoon. Johnson has garnered several awards in the last few days as he has been named a first team all-LSC honoree and a member of the all-LSC academic team.

Lastly, Bennett earned all-tournament team recognition for his performance throughout the weekend.

Another key player off the bench was Tre'Von Love. The St. Louis, Mo. native played tough defense and helped ENMU pressure LCU in full court situations. The guard picked up nine points, including a three-point make.

The story of Eastern New Mexico men's basketball is certainly a notable one as this marks the second conference tournament title for ENMU. The last came in 1993.

Head coach Brent Owen began his time in Portales without an opportunity to play for an entire calendar year. His team was selected to finish 15th in the 2022-23 preseason polls and in 2023-24 have earned the title of LSC tournament champs.

"It's been unbelievable. My life has changed in Portales. I have changed many ways for the better," said Owen when looking back at the last four years building the Greyhound program. "It's a truly unbelievable story. From not playing games and losing your team to now winning a championship."

Eastern New Mexico will figure out their fate in the national tournament tonight during the NCAA DII selection show. The webcast begins at 9 p.m. MT.