PORTALES, N.M. – For the first time since 2013-14, Eastern New Mexico men's basketball has won back-to-back games against West Texas A&M in a single season. Coming into the season, Jose Murillo had earned a win over every Lone Star Conference team besides WT. Now, he can say he has earned a victory over the Buffs twice in the same season. ENMU pulled off a gritty 87-76 result to improve to 20-3 (13-2 LSC) on the year.

"It was a really good game," said Jose Murillo after the stellar win for ENMU. "All the guys we have make it enjoyable. They play tough."

Two Greyhounds had double-doubles against the Buffs.

Sophomore Mo Austin paced the way for Eastern New Mexico with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Austin went 11-for-15 from the floor and posted two steals and an assist.

The 5-10 guard showcased a clinic in a matchup that featured a WT squad leading the Lone Star in points per game. The Buffs were held to 24-of-62 (38.7%) from the floor and Austin was a major reason why. He defended closely against the LSC's leader in points per game Fontaine Williams. The home side's top scorer on the season only had 16 points on 6-of-17 shooting.

Williams came into the game as one of the top picks for the conference's player of the year candidate. Tonight, that conversation might have changed in favor of Murillo or Austin based on their consistent play throughout the season and notable efforts in Canyon tonight.

Cooper Jackson continues to be one of the toughest players on the court. The defensive menace tallied two steals, but the most vital stat is the six fouls he drew against WT. Two of those fouls came on charges committed by West Texas A&M. Those energy plays helped change the scope of the battle and gave Eastern the spark they needed on the other end of the floor. Jackson tallied 14 points, six rebounds, and four assists.

"We all played together," said Jackson when reflecting on the win. "Guys are stepping up when they need to."

That is the absolute reality of the situation for Eastern New Mexico. ENMU relied on four players off the bench in key scenarios and all four stepped up when they needed to. Zaylan Chaney came into tonight's contest with a 12-point season-high performance in Lawton, Okla. just three days prior. Tonight, the first year Greyhound had four points and two rebounds, but his effort defensively over 16 minutes of the matchup was the most noticeable.

Head coach Daven Võ and Jackson both recognized Kobe Smith after the win. Smith does not always get the most minutes, but he remains true to his preparation and tonight against the Buffs he was definitely prepared. Smith hit two crucial second half three-pointers to finish with six points and one rebound.

Mika Tangermann and Alex Alfaro provided support off the bench when players got into early foul trouble.

Eastern New Mexico dominated the rebounding battle, 39-27. On top of Austin and Murillo pulling down double digit rebound totals, several other players made key contributions on the glass. Treyvon Byrd had seven rebounds despite playing for 26 minutes. He also posted 11 points in a game where he fouled out with several minutes remaining. Abrams was also impressive as he pulled down some vital boards down the stretch and finished the night with six total. The Maryland native did not have a great shooting night going 3-for-9, but he still provided important baskets when they mattered and closed out the contest with nine points.

WT is one of the best three-point shooting teams in the nation, but Tuesday night posed a few struggles for the Buffs from behind the arc. Brock Mishak had little issues shooting as he connected on 4-for-7 from deep range and had a team-high 22 points. Zach Brown went 2-for-8 from three and closed the contest with 13 points.

ENMU continues to dominate games from the paint. They outscored WT, 44-26, down low. Eastern came into this game leading the conference in fastbreak points per game and continues that margin after scoring 25 points in transition.

It's rare for Eastern to trail in a game. Tonight, WT held the lead for 21:28 and ENMU only held the edge for 14:08. The contest saw 13 lead changes and seven ties.

"Portales showed out tonight," said head coach Daven Võ after the win. "It was great to have our president, the administration, and a great crew from Portales make the effort to come."

Next up for Eastern New Mexico is a conference clash with LSC newcomer UT Dallas. It is highly recommended to celebrate Valentine's Day by supporting Greyhound Athletics all weekend long. Tip is slated for 3 p.m. on Valentine's Day at Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena.