Athletic Report
December 30, 1999

ZIAS DEFEAT FLYING QUEENS, 78-70
PORTALES, NM — Reserve guard Ginger Armacost, a freshman from Lubbock, Texas (Abernathy H.S.), made several key plays during a critical second half run, as Eastern New Mexico University expanded a 6-point lead into a 13-point advantage on its way to a 78-70 win over visiting Wayland Baptist University, Dec. 30 at Greyhound Arena.

The victory improved the Zias to 6-3, and ended ENMU’s 3-game losing streak. WBU fell to 12-3, as the Flying Queens lost for the third time in their last four games.

Armacost made her first key play with 7:42 remaining, after junior guard Jody Avent (Stinnett, TX/South Plains College) scored on a driving layup to give the Zias a 62-54 lead. Armacost stole the in-bounds pass, then put in a two-footer for another quick score and a 64-54 lead. She then blocked a shot at the other end of the quarter and hauled down the rebound.

On Eastern’s ensuing possession, she provided an assist on a 3-pointer by sophomore guard Missy Frazier (Levelland, TX/South Plains College), as ENMU’s advantage increased to 13 points, 67-54. ENMU also led by 13 points, 73-60,. with 2:43 remaining, but Wayland Baptist used a 10-3 run to cut the deficit to 6 points, 76-70 with 1:04 left. Rachel Weir and Cami Rea each hit a 3-pointer during the rally.

The Zias secured the win with a pair of free throws from Brandi Bates (Jr., G/F, Plainview, TX/Plainview H.S.) with 21 seconds left. WBU did not score in the final minute.

Avent produced 16 points to lead ENMU in scoring. Frazier contributed 12 points, and Bates added 11 points and 6 rebounds. Armacost finished with 9 points, while Amanda Hewitt (Sr., Post, San Antonio, TX/Madison H.S.) led all players with 8 rebounds.

For WBU, Cari Lynn Striddle scored 20 points and Jacqueline Godoy added 19 points. Striddle sank 8 of 9 free throws, grabbed 6 rebounds and had 2 assists. Godoy converted 9 of 11 charity shots, hauled down 7 rebounds and provided 8 assists. Weir added 10 points for the Flying Queens. WBU played without starting point guard Shaun Weaver, who missed the game with a pulled groin.

Starting forward Geronica Tucker scored 7 points before leaving the game with a leg injury with 6:52 remaining in the first half. The Zias open Lone Star Conference play on Tues., Jan. 4 against Tarleton State. Tipoff at Greyhound Arena is set for 6:00 p.m. (MST).