The Eastern New Mexico University men’s basketball team utilized a 52-point second half to upend Azusa Pacific, 86-70 at the Western Oregon/Doubletree by Hilton D2 Shootout on Saturday. ENMU opens the season 3-1, matching the best start by the Hounds since the 2005-06 team also started 3-1.

“Today’s win was an incredible one,” ENMU Head Coach Tres Segler said. “Our guys poured into each other and bonded together to win a hard-fought game against a very good Azusa Pacific team. I was so proud of the way our guys continuously encouraged each other in order to keep the energy high and to push through the adversity we faced.”

ENMU shot 52% for the game, but more importantly, the Hounds went 15-of-16 from the free throw line in the second half and 25-of-29 from the charity stripe for the game. Additionally, Eastern had a 2:1 assist/turnover ratio with 14 dimes to only seven turnovers.

Senior forward Andre Hughes had arguably his best game in the Green and Silver. The Jacksonville College product dropped 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including going 6-of-7 from the free throw line and grabbed 12 rebounds for his first double-double of the season.

“Andre woke up in a huge way today,” Segler said on his forward. “He probed once again that his versatility as a scoring forward is truly special. What made his night so special was his willingness to be unselfish. He had a huge assist to Zach Parker that acted as a dagger to seal the win late.”

Freshman guard Devin Pullum added eight points, none bigger than the four in the second half to help extend the lead. Senior guard Lamarquis Thompson had a team-high 21 points while also grabbing seven rebounds and four assists. Junior guard Maurice Coleman finished with six points and three assists while Parker added 16 points, a rebound and an assist.

“Devin was fearless tonight,” Segler added. “His two finishes stretched out our lead so we could get stops and force bad shots. Our guard crew played like the scorers that they are. I was so proud of our balanced attack from the perimeter.”

After going into the locker room down by one at the half, ENMU’s defense stymied APU in the second half, limiting the Cougars to 30% shooting after the intermission. Thompson (14), Hughes (14) and Parker (11) all dropped double-figures in the second half to cap a 52-point outburst leading the Green and Silver to victory.

“It’s so fun to look in these guys eyes and see them pulling for each other,” Segler closed with. “Portales and ENMU are about family, and this group is representing that cornerstone incredibly well.”

The Hounds make the trip to the St. Edward’s Thanksgiving Tournament on Nov. 24-25, taking on the HIlltoppers and Dallas Baptist in Austin. For the latest news on ENMU Athletics, follow @ENMU_Hoops and @ENMUAthletics on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or visit GoEasternAthletics.com.

-Eastern New Mexico University-
Men’s Basketball
Will Edwards