The Eastern New Mexico University men’s basketball team knocked down 14 three pointers in a gut-wrenching loss 68-67 loss on the road to Tarleton State. After the setback, ENMU falls to 3-7 overall and 0-4 in Lone Star Conference play.

“Once again, I am incredibly proud of how hard our program fought today,” ENMU Head Coach Tres Segler said. “We faced a ton of adversity today and I was very impressed with how well our bench came in and lifted our team. Nick Brown and Devin Pullum were so locked in and ready to play at their maximal level. Shawn Shelton was awesome tonight as well. He gave us some huge baskets in the middle of their zone and without his toughness today, we’re not in the game.”

“I was also proud of our starters for being good teammates and staying focused on getting back in and impacting the game.”

Freshman Devin Pullum followed up his 19-point performance on Thursday against Texas A&M-Commerce with a 24-point outburst against TSU. The freshman went 8-of-12 from the field and 6-of-9 from beyond the arc while dishing out five assists. Nick Brown also added 20 points with six three pointers and four assists. Shawn Shelton contributed 10 points and six rebounds while Jamani Pierce grabbed a team-leading nine rebounds.

“Zach Parker gave us some huge makes in some big moments and he bounced back after getting knicked up in the Commerce game.”

Despite surrendering an 11-0 run to start the game, ENMU took a 29-23 lead into the locker room at the break. Of the 11 field goals made in the first half by the Hounds, seven were three pointers. Brown started the game on fire with 14 points in the first half on 5-of-6 shooting, including a perfect 4-for-4 from beyond the arc. Pullum scored 11 of his 24 points in the first half while dropping three dimes.

The second half featured seven lead changes over the final 3:07. With 22 seconds to go, Pullum drained a deep three to give the Hounds a 67-65 lead, but Tarleton’s Preston Enloe hit a well-contested three with three seconds remaining to give the Texans the lead for good. Lamarquis Thompson’s half court buzzer beating attempt was wide of the basket in the final moments.

The Hounds travel to Las Cruces on Tuesday for an exhibition contest against New Mexico State. Tipoff against the Aggies is slated for 7 p.m. 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