FRISCO, Texas – For just the second time in program history, Eastern New Mexico University men's basketball will be going to the Lone Star Conference title game after winning, 91-81, versus (8) Cameron in Saturday's semifinal.

"It was a must win game for the team," said junior Mario Whitley after the win. "When it got tied up, we said 'let's give it our all' and that's what we did."

It took everything for the Greyhounds to pull off the win over the Aggies as four starters scored in double figures.

Senior Jahcoree Ealy led the team with 23 points on just 9-of-12 shooting. The second team all-LSC honoree added six rebounds, two assists, and two steals. The Conway, Arkansas native made a strong effort in the paint as he drew six fouls on the afternoon without committing a single foul.

The game stayed in single digits for 39:56 of play time as Cameron forced tough shots and always had an answer on the other end of the floor. ENMU found a way to get the semifinal victory by going inside the paint and threatening CU's chances of a championship berth by utilizing all three bigs effectively.

Sophomore Jose Murillo had one of his strongest games as a Hound. The 6-9 starter scored 16 points, blocked three shots, and grabbed six rebounds. His teammate's Jaxon Koroll and Conrad Luczynski each added four points apiece.

Murillo played the game's final ten minutes despite picking up his fourth foul during that timespan. The Chihuahua, Mexico native was needed as he pulled down key rebounds and putback a couple shots to keep the Hounds ahead in the game.

He remarked in the postgame press conference that the big men were challenged to "make the right decision" to take the ball to the hoop or pass it to other players. The three controlling those decisions went 11-for-16 over the game.

ENMU never trailed on the afternoon. The contest was tied eight times, but Eastern New Mexico never let the upset-minded Aggies earn an advantage.

Senior Lyron Bennett controlled the floor operation as he dished out six assists. His only field goal of the game came in the closing minutes and provided an and-one opportunity to give the Greyhounds a distinct advantage. His strong play over the final moments helped the Hound clinch a spot to play in Sunday's championship.

"We have good people and they care about each other," said head coach Brent Owen on his team in the postgame press conference. "These guys are smiling, they are cracking jokes with each other, and our assistant coaches have been a big reason for that. It's really a tribute to these guys."

For a second-straight postseason game, ENMU has dominated the paint. They put up 62 points compared to just 40 for the Aggies.

First team all-LSC recognizee Greg Johnson contributed a strong 26 minutes on the floor as he added 14 points, including the Hounds only three-pointer of the game. Despite Johnson fouling out, Eastern New Mexico found a way to win the game.

The next test for the Hounds is Lubbock Christian. In 2024, ENMU is 2-0 against the higher-seeded Chaps. LCU managed to pull-off an exciting win over Texas A&M International to get into Sunday's bout with the Greyhounds.

Tip is set for 1 p.m. CT and the game will be available via the Lone Star Conference Digital Network.