2/22/2022 | Men’s Basketball | Box Score

LUBBOCK, TEXAS – Eastern New Mexico men’s basketball suffered an 84-53 defeat against #4 Lubbock Christian University on Tuesday evening at Rip Griffin Center. The Hounds move to 6-17 overall, while holding a 2-11 conference standing. Meanwhile, the Chaparrals jump to 24-2, with a 11-2 LSC record.

The #4 ranked Chaps jumped out of the gate quickly, surging out to an 18-3 advantage from a 15-0 run. Garrick Sherrod ended the Chaps streak with a three, then Kentrell Pullian and Marvin Mapaga each added two points after the run ended. From then both teams went back and forth trading baskets, with Adam Hess hitting two threes and Pullian adding a three of his own, 26-16 LCU.

From that moment, LCU used another large stretch of points to separate themselves. A 7-0 run was stopped by five consecutive points from the Hounds, but the Chaps followed with 17-3 streak for the home team. In the spurt of points for the Greyhounds, Yosnier Cobas and JaQuan Morris both hit jumpers, along with Morris hitting a three. Eastern trailed 50-26 entering the locker room.

Eastern did their best to out match the Chaps to start the second half, but LCU had an answer for every Hounds basket. ENMU began the quarter with a three from Hess, and layups from Cobas and Niko Bossinakis. Cobas found three drives to the basket in the opening four minutes, while Bossinakis hit a layup and a three, 62-40 LCU.

However, LCU dropped 11 straight points on the Greyhounds pushing its lead to 73-40. ENMU didn’t quit, as baskets from Sherrod, Mapaga, Kevin Nze Mba, Morris, and Isaac Maldonado closed the Hounds on a 7-2 run. Lubbock Christian walked away at the end with an 84-53 win over Eastern.

NOTABLE STATS

  • The Hounds finished the game with a 39.2% (20-51) shooting percentage, 35.0% (7-20) from range, and 60% (6-10) at the free throw line. Lubbock Christian ended the game at 53.8% from field, 48% (13-27) at a distance, and 79% (15-19) when at the free throw line.
  • ENMU’s bench carried the Hounds with 29 points, outscoring the LCU in bench points, 29-11. LCU just edged the Greyhounds for points in the paint, 24-18.
  • Morris and Hess lead the Eastern attack with nine points each during the game. Cobas chipped in with eight points.
  • Mapaga pulled down a team best seven rebounds, while Nze Mba was next best with five boards.
  • Hess paced the team with two assists, and defensively Sherrod, Bossinakis, Mapaga, and Nze Mba all recorded a steal. 

FROM THE SOURCE

“LCU’s program is a benchmark for the direction we intend to take ENMU basketball” said Head Men’s Basketball Coach Brent Owen. “They are strong, tough, skilled, and unselfish. Our coaching staff will keep the image of them holding up the regular season conference championship trophy tonight in our heads as we recruit our tails off this spring” said Owen. “We hope that people will come out to our last home game of the season this Saturday at 4 pm to help us end our season with a win over Western New Mexico”.

BEYOND THE BOX SCORE

  • Lubbock Christian have now won six straight games against the Hounds, with the all-time series standing at 36-28 LCU.
  • ENMU closes out the regular season this Saturday, as the Hounds will take on in-state rival Western New Mexico University. Senior day ceremonies will be conducted just prior to tipoff, which is scheduled for 4 pm.