Friday, November 24, 2017

CANYON, TEXAS – Freshman forward Alivia Lewis hit two free throws with 43 seconds remaining to lift the Eastern New Mexico University women’s basketball team (2-2) to a thrilling 62-61 victory in the opening game of the 2017 West Texas A&M Pak-a-Sak Thanksgiving Classic. The points completed Lewis’ first double double of her Greyhound career as the Hounds earned the win over Colorado State-Pueblo (2-3) at the First United Bank Center in a matchup of 2016-17 NCAA South Central Regional participants.

The contest also marked the 47th time ENMU posted a win over Head Coach Josh Prock. The victory tied him for second on the career win list with ENMU legend, Dan Buzard.

The Key Plays

  • With 21 lead changes in the game, Lewis’ free throws with 43 seconds left gave Eastern a 62-61 lead they would not relinquish
  • The Thunderwolves got off to an explosive start by scoring the game’s first seven points, which five from included post player Molly Roher
  • ENMU stormed back with a 12-3 run and seized a 12-10 lead on a Sarina Johnson three-point bucket
  • CSU-Pueblo surged to take an eight-point lead late in the first half, but an 11-2 run which stretched into the second half gave the Hounds a 33-32 lead on a trey from Jasmine Hotchkins
  • From that point on, neither team led by more than four points

In the Numbers

  • Eastern held a 40-38.8 edge in shooting percentage
  • The Greyhounds surged late, with a 63.6 percent (7-11) shooting percentage in the final quarter
  • ENMU held a 15-8 lead in points off turnovers
  • Lewis’ 10-point, 10-rebound effort stands as ENMU’s first double double of the season, to go along with two steals and a blocked shot
  • Mikaehla Connor paced the Greyhounds with 15 points, three assists, two steals and two blocks
  • Hotchkins finished with nine points, while Shelby Jones chipped in eight points
  • Roher scored 19 points and grabbed nine caroms to lead four CSU-Pueblo players in double figures

Inside the Series

  • Eastern moved to 6-7 against the Thunderwolves
  • The win snapped a five-game skid in the series
  • ENMU’s last win in the series was a 56-44 decision on November 20, 1999

Up Next

  • The Eastern New Mexico University women’s basketball team will continue play at the Pak-a-Sak Classic on Saturday.
  • Tip off against Texas A&M-International is set for 11 a.m. MT