Sports Release
November 21, 1998

EASTERN’S ZIAS SLIP PAST NORTHEASTERN STATE
TAHLEQUAH, OK — TAHLEQUAH, OK -- Sophomore post player Katheryne Hickman (San Antonio, TX/ Castle Hills First Baptist H.S.) scored 14 points, including 10 in the second half, as the Eastern New Mexico University Zias rallied from a 7-point deficit in the second half to defeat Northeastern State University, 57-56, in a Lone Star Conference crossover game. The Zias, who compete in the LSC South Division, evened their record at 1-1. The Lady Reds, who play in the LSC North Division, remained winless at 0-3. Crossover games do not count in the LSC divisional standings.

ENMU trailed 38-31 with 16:08 left, but moved in front, 45-44, on a jumper by Lenni Hartley (So., G, Roy, NM/Roy H.S.) at the 10:45 mark. Northeastern State tied the score twice over the next few minutes, but the Zias moved in front for good when junior post player Jenny Conaway (Midland, TX/South Plains College) hit one of two free throws for a 49-48 lead with 6:19 remaining.

Brandi Bates (So., G/F, Plainview, TX/Plainview H.S.) gave Eastern a 57-52 lead on a basket with 0:53 left. NSU sophomore guard Carla Rogers pulled the Lady Reds within two points by sinking a 3-pointer with 0:40 on the clock.

Christy Fultz of NSU had a chance to tie the game with 0:10 left, but converted just the first free throw of a one-and-one. Hickman rebounded the missed shot and was fouled with 9.5 seconds remaining. She missed the front end of a one-and-one, giving the Lady Reds one more shot. Quitta Jones missed a 15-footer with about two seconds left and the Zias grabbed the rebound to secure the win.

Hickman’s 14 points tied Stacey Henson of NSU for the individual scoring lead. For the Zias, Amanda Mendez (Jr, Post, San Antonio, TX/Madison H.S.) finished in double figures with 10 points. Hickman led ENMU with 7 rebounds. For the Lady Reds, Fultz scored 13 points and Masha Karvanen added 12 points. Jones led all players with 12 rebounds.

Northeastern State outrebounded ENMU, 52-42, but the Lady Reds committed 17 turnovers and shot just 29.7% for the game. Eastern made just 10 turnovers and shot 36.9%. The Zias led by as many as 10 points in the first half, and held a 29-27 halftime lead.

ENMU continues its 5-game road trip next Friday and Saturday (Nov. 27-28) in the Regis University Classic. ENMU opens the tournament against Western State at 4:30 p.m. (MST) on Friday.