MIDLAND, Texas – Eastern New Mexico football went into tonight's contest against nationally ranked UT Permian Basin on a two-game winning streak and looking to build on recent momentum. However, the matchup between the Greyhounds and No. 17 Falcons went in favor of the home team, 47-34.

"I was proud of their effort the whole way. We were close to doing some really good things in the first half. Football is truly a game of inches," remarked head coach Kelley Lee when talking about the game. "We were not on the right side of those plays in the first half and it is amazing the difference it makes and how everything comes together when you are on the right side."

The game started out with strong defensive stops on both sides, including an interception by Tamarr Fairman from UTPB's first passing attempt of the afternoon.

The defensive stops did not continue as the Falcons pulled out two quick drives to score a pair of touchdowns in the opening quarter. UTPB continued to impress offensively as they built a 27-0 lead with another two scores.

Eastern built a four minute drive late in the first half to score for the first time in the night. A seven-yard passing play from Chad Ragle to Robert Nora was the answer to getting ENMU on the scoreboard.

The Falcons answered Eastern's first scoring drive by earning two touchdowns in the span of two minutes to close out the first half. They led 40-7 going into halftime intermission.

UTPB opened the second half with a muffed kick return which set them at the three-yard line to start the third quarter. The poor field position setup the Greyhound defense for a quick three-and-out, which featured third down stop that was anchored by a quarterback pressure by DJ Moore and a pass breakup from Tamarr Fairman.

Eastern did not take much time to score on their first possession of the half. A four-play drive included a 29-yard pass play to Gerry Gomez and a 15-yard rushing score by Jonathon Carter.

ENMU's defense halted the Falcons on downs to setup another scoring drive. This time, ENMU would find the endzone via a Demarion Finch one-yard rushing play. This marks four-straight games with a rushing score for the freshman.

UTPB would score for the first time in the second half as soon as the fourth quarter began. With a 47-20 lead, the home side would fill out the remainder of the game with some backup players along with a few key starters still in the contest.

Eastern New Mexico would find the endzone two more times on the night. The first would be setup after a 41-yard rush by Robert Nora. William Reynolds would punch in the score from one-yard away to get the game with 20 points. Not too long later, Nora would dash for a 70-yard carry to give Chad Ragle the chance to run two yards for his first rushing score of the game and fifth of the season.

UT Permian Basin would close out the game by winding down the last three minutes on the clock. The Falcons improved to 8-2 while the Greyhounds moved to 3-7.

Eastern New Mexico will now get set for senior day on November 15 against Texas A&M-Kingsville. The game will kickoff at 1 p.m. at Steve Loy Family Foundation Stadium.