PORTALES, N.M. — The Eastern New Mexico University women's basketball team (1-2) heads to Wichita, Kansas, this weekend for the Newman Classic, where they will face Fort Hays State (2-0) on Friday at 2 p.m. MT and host Newman University (1-2) on Saturday at 12 p.m. MT.
The Greyhounds enter the tournament looking to bounce back after an 85-93 road loss to Oklahoma Baptist on Tuesday evening. Despite the setback, ENMU has shown offensive promise, averaging 76.0 points per game while holding opponents to 70.3.
Chloe Dallas continues to lead the Greyhounds with impressive all-around performances, averaging 14.0 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. The standout forward has been efficient from the field with a .531 shooting percentage while providing defensive presence with four blocks on the season.
Junior guard Julieta Ceja has emerged as a consistent scoring threat, contributing 11.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Ceja has been particularly dangerous from beyond the arc, connecting on 60% of her three-point attempts while also collecting four steals through three games.
Transfer guard Shay Moseberry rounds out ENMU's double-digit scorers with 10.3 points per game and a .429 three-point shooting percentage. Moseberry showcased her abilities in Tuesday's contest against Oklahoma Baptist, leading the team with 14 points while adding three steals and two blocks in 22 minutes of action.
The Greyhounds have demonstrated strength in several statistical categories, including three-point shooting (.377) and creating turnovers, averaging 13.0 steals per game compared to their opponents' 7.0. ENMU has also maintained a slight rebounding advantage (36.0 vs. 34.7) and distributes the ball effectively with 14.3 assists per game.
Friday's opponent, Fort Hays State, enters the weekend with momentum after an 84-75 victory over Sioux Falls at the Central Region Showcase. The Tigers have been offensive powerhouses, averaging 84.0 points on an impressive .508 field goal percentage and .462 from three-point range.
FHSU is led by Talexa Weeter, who has posted remarkable numbers with 32.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game while shooting 60.5% from the field. The Greyhounds' defense will also need to contain Parker Stevenson (17.5 ppg, 5.5 apg) and Brooke Loewe (10.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg), both shooting over 50% from beyond the arc.
Saturday's matchup against Newman presents different challenges for ENMU. The Jets (1-2) are paced by Jaeden McMillin's 20.5 points per game and three steals per contest. Additional scoring threats include Monica Redondo and Alexis Martin, both averaging 10.0 points per game.
While Newman has struggled offensively, averaging 62.0 points on 38.7% shooting, the Jets have been competitive defensively. ENMU will look to exploit Newman's rebounding vulnerability, as the Jets have been outrebounded by nearly 12 boards per game (26.7 vs. 38.3).
The Greyhounds aim to improve their ball security after averaging 18.0 turnovers through their first three contests. However, ENMU's defense has forced 19.7 turnovers per game, creating opportunities for transition scoring that could prove decisive in both tournament matchups.
Following the Newman Classic, Eastern New Mexico will return home to prepare for Southwestern Oklahoma State on December 1.
