1/27/2022 | Men’s Basketball | Box Score

ODESSA, Texas – Eastern New Mexico men’s basketball traveled to the University of Texas Permian Basin for a Lone Star Conference tilt. The Greyhounds were ultimately handed a close 73-69 loss.

It was a battle from the start, with seven lead changes and five ties in the first half alone. Both teams traded baskets as they fought to gain and keep the lead.

With just under 11 minutes left in the frame, ENMU held a 20-17 advantage, the Hounds’ largest lead of the half.

The Falcons responded with a quick 8-0 run (10:32-8:28) to take the lead, which they would keep for the remainder of the half. UTPB entered halftime up, 41-33.

Eastern chipped away at the UTPB advantage throughout the second half. Down 60-53 with 8:52to go, the Hounds saw back-to-back three-pointers from Marvin Mapaga and Niko Bossinakis to cut the deficit to just one point. A layup from Kevin Nze Mbathen gave ENMU the 61-60 lead, its first of the frame.

UT Permian Basin quickly tied the game up, 63-63, before regaining the lead after a made free throw and good jumper.

The last minute and a half of the contest were a struggle for the lead on both sides. With 38 seconds left, Eastern took a 69-68 advantage on a Bossinakis jumper. But the Falcons saw a three from Jordan Horn to regain the lead, 71-69 with just 19 seconds remaining.

ENMU’s last offensive push fell just short and UTPB hit two free throws in the final moments to secure the 73-69 victory.


NOTABLE STATS

  • Mapaga led the ENMU offense with 17 points (7-8 FG, 1-1 3PT, 2-2 FT). Yosnier Cobas was close behind with 16 points, which included going a perfect 12-12 at the free throw line.
  • Cobas and Kentrell Pullian each pulled down a team-leading six rebounds.
  • For the Falcons, Horn and Miles Daniels each netted a game-high 18 points. Keyon Craddock paced the team with five rebounds.
  • The Hounds outrebounded UTPB, 40-25.


BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

  • Eastern shifts to 6-10 overall and 2-5 in LSC action.
  • UT Permian Basin improves to 11-8 overall and 3-4 in the conference.
  • The Falcons lead the overall series between the two programs, 7-4. ENMU had previously won the last three meetings.
  • The Greyhounds will look to bounce back on Saturday, January 29 when they take on Angelo State University at 3 p.m.