PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico University men's basketball officially tips off its 2026-27 season this weekend, traveling to Las Vegas, N.M., for a pair of non-conference matchups in the South Central Region Crossover. The Greyhounds open against New Mexico Highlands on Friday, Nov. 13, at 5 p.m., before taking on Fort Lewis on Saturday, Nov. 14, at 3 p.m. Both contests will be played at the John A. Wilson Complex at New Mexico Highlands..
Eastern enters the new campaign ranked No. 16 nationally in the NABC Division II Preseason Poll following one of the most successful seasons in program history. Under head coach Daven Võ, the Greyhounds finished 26-6 overall and 17-3 in Lone Star Conference play last season, tying the program record for wins in a single season. ENMU advanced to the LSC Tournament championship game and secured its second consecutive NCAA Division II Tournament appearance.
The Greyhounds were selected to finish second in the LSC Preseason Poll, receiving six first-place votes after finishing tied for second in the conference standings last season.
Eastern returns eight players from last year's squad, including junior guard Mo Austin, who was named to the LSC Preseason Players to Watch list. Austin started all 32 games last season, averaging 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.8 steals per game. The returning group also features Austin Abrams, who averaged 12.8 points per contest while shooting 41.6 percent from beyond the arc.
Scouting New Mexico Highlands
The Cowboys enter the 2026-27 season under first-year head coach Scott Waterman, who takes over following a 13-19 campaign that included an 11-9 record in Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference play. Waterman previously served as a special assistant at the University of New Mexico during the 2025-26 season and brings six seasons of NCAA Division II head coaching experience from Academy of Art University, where he compiled a 96-71 record.
New Mexico Highlands was selected to finish 10th in the RMAC Preseason Coaches Poll.
Friday's matchup marks the second consecutive season the programs have met in their opening weekend. Eastern defeated the Cowboys 73-53 last November in Portales, using a 46-point second half to secure the victory. The Greyhounds have won four straight meetings against New Mexico Highlands and hold a 73-40 advantage in the all-time series.
Scouting Fort Lewis
Saturday's contest features another rematch from last season's opening weekend, when Fort Lewis edged Eastern New Mexico 76-73 in Portales.
The Skyhawks enter their third season under head coach Jordan Mast after finishing 18-11 overall and 15-5 in RMAC action last year. Fort Lewis advanced to the RMAC Tournament semifinals, falling to nationally ranked Black Hills State in a narrow 77-75 contest.
Fort Lewis was selected fourth in the RMAC Preseason Coaches Poll after finishing tied for second in the conference standings last season.
The Skyhawks return seven players from last year's roster, including guards Yorgio Golesis and Jude Tapia. Tapia previously earned Second Team All-RMAC honors at Adams State, averaging 17.4 points per game during the 2024-25 season.
Fort Lewis has won the last eight meetings against Eastern New Mexico, giving the Greyhounds an opportunity to snap the streak in Saturday's neutral-site matchup.
Looking Ahead
Following this weekend's opening contests, Eastern New Mexico returns to Portales for its home opener against Justice College on Tuesday, Nov. 17. Tipoff is scheduled for noon inside Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena as part of McDonald's Kids' Day. The Greyhounds will then welcome Northwestern Oklahoma State on Friday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m.
