PORTALES, N.M. – Fans at Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena were treated to a contest between two programs who have impressed in Lone Star Conference play. Eastern New Mexico came away in today's matchup against UT Permian Basin, 83-80.

"We got some stops and made free throws to seal the game," said head coach Daven Võ after the win. "We needed that win."

Both teams shot the ball with high efficiency. Eastern New Mexico finished 35-of-61 (57.4%) from the floor. UT Permian Basin went 31-of-57 (54.4%) from the field.

The Greyhounds defense disrupted several possessions for the Falcons. UTPB committed 14 turnovers and ENMU tallied 11 steals. Junior guard Cooper Jackson led the way with six steals. Jackson has the most steals (54) out of any student-athlete in the Lone Star Conference despite just appearing in 15 total games.

All five starters for Eastern New Mexico scored in double figures, while four players did so for UT Permian Basin.

Mario Whitley and Cougar Downing led the way for ENMU with 16 points each. Downing had an immediate impact for the Greyhounds with five points on an early 10-1 run. He continued to shoot the ball well and finished with 12 points in the first half alone. Whitley had four points over the opening period. However, his time on the court was limited as he picked up two fouls midway through the opening half. The Saginaw, Mich. native responded well in the second half by playing all 20 minutes and carrying the Hounds to the crucial three-point win.

Both Jose Murillo and Treyvon Byrd scored 14 points. Murillo had a team-high nine rebounds and continues to increase his field goal percentage as he leads the Lone Star Conference in that category. Byrd finished with four rebounds and a block.

Mo Austin finished with a dozen points (six coming in the final 90 seconds), but no scores were quite as important as his last four points. Head coach Daven Võ and teammate Mario Whitley stated that one of the biggest difference makers was the ability for the team to make free throws down the stretch. The freshman guard did just that and helped ENMU improve to 15-8 (10-7 LSC). Austin had a season-high nine assists in the victory.

"We played as a team," said Mario Whitley after the win. "It was going to be a dog fight and we were ready."

Five games remain in the regular season for Eastern New Mexico. ENMU is tied for sixth in conference standings with three road games and two home games remaining.

The Greyhounds will play at Western New Mexico Thursday night before a trip to Sul Ross State Saturday afternoon.