ENMU splits non-league games at Western

SILVER CITY — Clovis freshman Hanna Nussbaumer scored two baskets in a decisive early run and Eastern New Mexico University’s women built a 17-point halftime lead, then held on for a 55-49 non-league victory over Lone Star Conference rival Western New Mexico on Thursday night.

Trailing 9-5 early, ENMU (4-2) went on a 14-4 run to close out the quarter with a six-point lead. Nussbaumer had back-to-back field goals during the surge, while senior guard Iyanna McCurdy added six of her 10 points in that time.

The Greyhounds scored seven of the first nine points in the second stanza, then closed the period on an 11-3 blitz to open a 41-24 halftime lead.

But they went cold in the third period, going just 2-of-16 from the floor for four points as the Mustangs (3-3) cut the margin to nine. WNMU got as close as five points with just over five minutes left, but a 3-pointer by freshman guard Bella Stone and a basket by sophomore forward Stacy Ajobiewe helped the Hounds finish it off.

Sophomore guard Natalie Stice paced ENMU with 11 points and nine rebounds, while Ajobiewe also added 10 points. Ajobiewe and Nussbaumer (five points) each posted season scoring bests.

For the Mustangs, senior forward Destiny Johnson finished with 11 points.

ENMU, which snapped a two-game losing streak, now holds a 25-6 lead over Western all-time, and has won the last five in a row.

Western New Mexico 76, ENMU men 70 — In the second half of the twin bill, WNMU’s men used an 11-0 charge to take the lead for good midway through the first half and went on to beat the Hounds.

Senior guard/forward Jordan Doss led three players in double digits for the Mustangs (6-2) with 21 points, and also grabbed a game-high eight rebounds. Junior guard Tony Avalos had 14 points and six assists for WNMU, while senior guard/forward Malik Johnson had 12 points.

Western went into halftime with a 36-28 advantage, then opened the second half on an 8-2 run to build the margin to 14 points. The Hounds (4-5) rallied late, pulling to six within six points, but could not get any closer.

ENMU finished the night with 21 turnovers, with the Mustangs converting them into 27 points.

Sophomore guard Adam Hess connected on five 3-pointers and led the Hounds with 16 points, while freshman guard Kentrell Pullian added 12 points and six rebounds, senior guard/forward Jose Serrano finished with 11 points and six boards and junior guard Cornell Greenwood scored 11 points.

ENMU holds a 57-48 margin all-time over Western, but the Mustangs have now won the last two meetings.

ENMU’s women play again on Tuesday with a 2 p.m. non-conference clash against LSC member Cameron at Greyhound Arena. Both teams are back in action on Thursday when they host Champion Christian College, a National Christian College Athletic Association member based in Hot Springs, Ark., beginning with the men’s game at 10 a.m.