Hounds post key win over Lady Buffs 68-62

PORTALES – Eastern New Mexico University's women hit their rivals from West Texas A&M in the mouth early on Thursday night.

The Greyhounds knew it wasn't going to be easy, but they certainly sent an early statement.

ENMU led 7-0 barely a minute into the contest, forcing the Lady Buffs into a quick timeout, and stayed ahead nearly wire-to-wire to hand the Lady Buffs a 68-62 Lone Star Conference setback at Greyhound Arena, greatly enhancing their chances to reach the LSC's post season tournament.

ENMU won its fourth in a row, and looked to complete a sweep of its four-game homestand on Saturday against Lubbock Christian.

They made amends for an 84-55 loss at WT in mid-January.

"That was not us at WT," said sophomore guard Bella Stone, who finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals. "That one did not feel good, so we've been waiting for this game."

WT (17-6, 8-3 LSC), coached by former ENMU head man Josh Prock, was missing three key players, including sophomore guard Karley Motschenbacher (ankle) and senior guard and Portales High grad Zamorye (Cox) Roberts, who left the team and school recently for what Prock described as "a family situation." Roberts played three seasons for Prock at ENMU before moving on with him to WT last year.

"Give ENMU all the credit," Prock said. "We came out a little flat, but their coaches had them ready to go."

Eight players saw action for the Greyhounds (12-10, 8-8), and four finished in double figures. Junior guard Ashley Shipley helped get the team off to a quick start and finished with a season-best 19 points, including 4-of-6 from 3-point range, while junior forward Deja Adrian posted her fifth double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds and freshman guard Julieta Ceja added 10 points.

"We came out with an aggressive energy," ENMU coach Meghan De los Reyes said. "And we had a couple (of shots) go through the hoop (early)."

The Hounds built a 27-13 lead midway through the second period before WT regrouped, closing to 29-27 late in the half before Shipley's lane jumper made it a four-point game at the break.

When play resumed, the Lady Buffs pulled even 32-32, then took their only lead of the night 35-34 on a 3-pointer by senior guard Lauren Taylor. ENMU followed that with a 13-0 blitz that included 3s from freshman guard Corin Camara and Shipley, and pushed the margin to 62-49 with 5:20 left on a driving layup by Stone.

That turned out to be their last field goal. Stone sealed the deal with three free throws in the final 33 seconds.

Not normally a big scorer, Stone said she's OK in her role as a facilitator.

"We just wanted to win," she said. "He's (Prock) a great coach. They're always going to have an answer, but tonight we stayed together as well as we have all year."

Prock said he hopes to get Motschenbacher, who missed her third consecutive game, back next week.

"We'll be fine," he said. "We've got a heck of a team."

WT also put four in double figures, led by freshman guards Hollie Stalder and Kyla Cane with 12 apiece. Sophomore guard Azia Himeur added 11 points while 6-foot-4 junior post Nyalam Thaback scored 10.

ENMU managed to limit the Lady Buffs to an uncharacteristic 32 percent from the field (19-of-60), and forced 19 turnovers.

De los Reyes said she liked the way her team handled the pressure.

"It's always good when you're playing with poise," she said. "Our advantage was that they were down a couple of ballhandlers. We did a great job in the first quarter."

ENMU improved to 17-80 all-time against WT. The Hounds had lost the previous eight matchups and had won only twice in the series – both times in Canyon – since a 76-57 decision at Greyhound Arena in December 2003.

ENMU closes the regular campaign with three of its last four on the road, beginning with Oklahoma Christian on Thursday in Oklahoma City.