Game Recap: Men’s Basketball | | Jose Montoya
ENMU OPENS FOUR-GAME ROAD TRIP WITH VICTORY AT CAMERON
Eastern New Mexico men’s basketball won its fifth straight contest after beating Cameron University, 78-70, at Aggie Gym Thursday night.
The victory moves the Hounds to 5-2 in Lone Star Conference action, including 3-0 against division foes.
With ENMU on a four-game win streak, the Aggies looked to tart quickly and they did so leading 11-2 just five minutes into the matchup. At this point, Eastern had given up three turnovers and missed 8-of-9 shot attempts.
“All of these games on the road are so incredibly difficult,” said head coach Brent Owen. “Our guys responded with toughness and effort.”
A rough stretch offensively began to shift immediately after Malique Oates hit a three-point shot and ENMU built a 7-0 run over a couple minutes.
The Greyhounds kept attacking Cameron and forced them to get into early foul trouble. This helped the team go on a 9-2 run to take its largest lead of the half, 26-22.
“Jose (Murillo) was giving them problems with his size and strength in the post,” said Owen. “He has come so far with his decision making with the ball and we trust him inside the paint.”
The consistent push did not turn the Aggies away and the two teams battled strong over the remainder of the frame. ENMU did hold onto the lead and had a 36-35 advantage going into the break. Greg Johnson led the Hounds with nine points and Jose Murillo added eight over the first 20 minutes of play.
“All of my teammates helped me a lot with post moves in practice and continue to push me to my limits,” said Murillo. “Our coaches motivated us to play harder and told us that ‘We can do this’ when we got down early.”
In the opening ten minutes of the second period, the two programs traded blows and kept the game within one possession the whole time. That was the case until the Hounds scored eight unanswered off baskets from Grehlon Easter, Jahcoree Ealy, and Errol White.
“As a point guard my teammates run off of me and if I stay calm they are able to play calm,” said Easter after the team’s win. “It’s always tough to play on the road in the Lone Star Conference. We were able to weather the storm we caught ourselves in and come out on top”
Eastern’s 11-point lead with 8:14 remaining did not stay for long as the Aggies got the game within three points with 4:39 (62-59). From that point, CU was forced to begin fouling the Greyhounds and begin watching the clock continue to fade down to the final seconds.
During that timeframe, Owen trusted in Ealy to have the ball in his hands and convert six-straight free throw attempts in the final three minutes of play.
“Jahcoree (Ealy) has been our guy who we have gone to down the stretch,” said Owen. “We were being pressed and I trust him with the ball in those situations.”
The 78-70 victory brings the Hounds to 10-3 (5-2 LSC) and keeps the momentum moving forward for another tough Lone Star Conference road test at Midwestern State Saturday evening. The Mustangs will be coming off a ten-point victory against Western New Mexico.
ENMU outrebounded the Aggies, 36-26, on the night. Murillo finished with a team-high eight.
“I am pleased that we won the boards,” said Owen. “To finish +10 on the road really speaks for our team’s effort.”
Eastern secured most of its points from the charity stripe (21-26 FT) and inside the paint as they held a 32-30 advantage over the Aggies from close range.
With another win in the books, fans are encouraged to catch the Hounds Saturday evening on the Lone Star Conference Digital Network or on 105.9 FM KSEL Country with live play-by-play from Hall of Famer Doc Elder.
