Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
ENMU junior guard Mikaehla Connor powers her way around Midwestern State defender Leanna James in Saturday's game at Greyhound Arena. Connor finished with 15 points, three assists, three steals and no turnovers in ENMU's 78-64 win.
PORTALES — The Eastern New Mexico University women's basketball team moved to 8-0 and captured sole possession of the Lone Star Conference lead on Saturday, beating Midwestern State 78-64 at Greyhound Arena.
Behind a combined team effort, the Greyhounds (12-3 overall) had four players in double figures, led by Mikaehla Connor and Kassandra Harris leading the way with 15 points apiece. Johna McClelland added 14 while Brandi Gomez chipped in 11.
"We have tremendous depth on this team; every young lady continues to step up when their number is called," ENMU coach Josh Prock said. "If you look at our games throughout the year, different kids step up all the time and that's what's great about this team."
After a 29-13 first quarter, it looked like a ninth-straight win was in the bag for ENMU. A fierce press by the Mustangs (4-10, 1-7) helped lead to 20 Hounds turnovers, and MSU whittled the lead to 10 late in the game.
"We have to do a better job of taking care of the ball and we have emphasized that to our girls," Prock said. "But the thing that continues to impress me about these girls is that they will find a way to win, like they have all year."
The frantic pace of Midwestern's press led to a number of ENMU free throws. Gomez went 6 for 6 from the line to lead a 22-of-27 shpwing by the team.
With one win separating the Greyhounds from tying their best conference start since the 1991-92 season, Prock knows the next two games are key to the season and not just history.
"The phrase of this team is definitely one at a time," Prock said. "It's a big week with a tough team in Texas A&M-Kingsville and then obviously a tough game against Angelo on the road. These girls have responded all year and hopefully will continue to do so."
While the Javelinas will be tough in Kingsville, Eastern's biggest test figures to come against Angelo State (13-1, 7-1), which is likely to lose its No. 2 national ranking after a 68-61 loss to West Texas A&M this week.
ENMU and Kingsville tip off at 4:15 p.m. (MST) on Thursday.
