Athletic Report
December 2, 1999

ZIAS ROUT LADY BISONS
75-55 Eastern Improves to 5-0 on the Season
SEARCY, AR — Eastern New Mexico University took a 36-25 halftime lead and was never threatened in the second half, as the Zias defeated the Harding University Lady Bisons, 75-55, at Rhodes Fieldhouse, Dec. 2 in Searcy, Ark. ENMU improved to 5-0 with the win, while Harding dropped to 2-2.

The ENMU defense, which entered the game allowing just 45.8 points per game and 28.8% shooting, held Harding to 33.3% from the field (14 of 42), including just 20.8% (5 of 24) in the first half. The Zias shot 50.0% for the game (27 of 54), and were an exceptional 60.0% (12 of 20) in the second half.

Four Zias finished the game in double figures. Brandi Bates (Jr., G/F, Plainview, TX/ Plainview H.S.) led the way with 16 points on 5 of 10 field goals and 6 of 7 free throws. Amanda Hewitt (Sr., Post, San Antonio, TX/Madison H.S.) added 15 points for the Zias, while Jody Avent (Jr., G, Stinnett, TX/South Plains College) and Jenny Conaway (Sr., Post, Midland, TX/South Plains College) contributed 10 points apiece.

ENMU achieved a 37-28 rebounding edge and earned 14 steals on Harding’s 18 turnovers. Junior post player Bobbie Wallin (Moriarty, NM/Moriarty H.S.) led the Zias with 6 rebounds. Avent led the team with 4 steals and also topped the squad with 5 rebounds.

Harding’s top scorer was Rachel Raglin, who supplied 11 points on 9 of 11 free throws to go with just one field goal. Susan Berry added 10 points for the Lady Bisons, while Jennifer Williams provided 9 points and 2 steals. Mindy Napier scored 8 points and grabbed 6 rebounds.

Eastern led 47-32 with 15:13 remaining in the game. Harding cut the deficit to eight points, 48-40, with 11:10 left, but trailed by 10 points with 10 minutes to go. The Zias built a 63-46 lead at the 5:03 mark, and led by 14 or more the rest of the way.

The Zias will take on Ouachita Baptist University (4-0) in a battle of undefeated teams this Saturday (Dec. 4) in Arkadelphia, Ark. Game time is set for 3:00 p.m. (MST).