Vikings end ENMU's winning streak

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — The Eastern New Mexico womens basketball team suffered a setback Monday, falling to Western Washington 67-55 in the team’s final game of the Holiday Hoops Classic.

ENMU (7-3) was on a six-game winning streak heading into the matchup with the No. 21 Vikings (7-3). The start was the best for the Greyhounds since 2006, with the streak being the longest since Eastern won seven straight in 2003-04.

“I’m very proud of these girls,” ENMU women’s coach Josh Prock said. “They’ve battled through a lot of adversity this year. It was a tough loss to a very good Western Washington team.”

Prior to the setback, Eastern had moved up to No. 4 in the D2SIDA South Central Region media poll. One of four LSC teams in the poll. Angelo State, which edged Western Washington 69-68 in this event on Saturday, is currently atop the regional rankings.

On Monday, ENMU’s Daeshi McCants posted her first double-double of the season, scoring 13 points while pulling down 10 rebounds. Sarina Johnson finished with 11 points, while Mikaehla Connor added 10.

The Hounds led in every statistical category except one — field goal percentage. Going 17-for-61 from the floor, Eastern shot only 28 percent while the Vikings hit an efficient 43 percent, and the Hounds struggled from the 3-point line as well, hitting only 4-of-23 attempts.

The Vikings were led by Taylor Peacocke, who poured in 25 points, while Tia Briggs added 18. Briggs also finished with a double-double, leading everyone with 11 rebounds.

Eastern will get a little rest over the holidays before returning to the court on Dec. 30 for a matchup with Sul Ross State. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Greyhound Arena.