Sports Release
February 23, 1999

EAST CENTRAL DEFEATS ZIAS
IN FIRST ROUND OF LSC TOURNAMENT
ADA, OK — Senior forward Teresa Jones-Benson scored 16 of her game-high 29 points in the final 8:35, as East Central University overcame a nine-point second half deficit to defeat visiting Eastern New Mexico University, 68-64, in the first round of the Lone Star Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament, Feb. 23 at ECU. The win improved East Central to 19-7 on the season, while ENMU concluded its year at 15-12.

The Tigers will remain at home for an LSC Tournament semifinal game on Thursday (Feb. 25) against Abilene Christian, which defeated Harding University (Ark.), 72-61, in another first round game. If ECU wins in the semifinals, the Tigers will host the LSC Championship Game on Sat., Feb. 27.

In Tuesday’s first round game, ENMU led, 54-45, with 8:51 remaining, on a pair of free throws by junior post Jenny Conaway (Midland, TX/South Plains College). ECU rallied with a 14-5 run that included 10 points by Jones-Benson.

The Tigers and Zias were tied, 59-59, with 4:22 left. East Central took the lead for good with 2:05 remaining, when Jones-Benson scored to give the Tigers a 64-63 advantage. Sophomore forward Ashlie Snyder scored at the 2:18 mark, and Jones-Benson tallied with 0:23 left, as the Tigers completed the win.

Jones-Benson topped all players with her 29 points and 19 rebounds. She was 11 of 17 from the field, including 2 of 5 on three-pointers. Rachelle Sturdevant produced 11 points, Ashley Prince scored 10 points, and Snyder added 11 rebounds.

Sophomore post Katheryne Hickman (San Antonio, TX/Castle Hills First Baptist H.S.) led the Zias with 19 points. Hickman also grabbed 6 rebounds. Other top players for the Zias were junior post Amanda Mendez (San Antonio, TX/Madison H.S.), with 12 points and 8 rebounds, junior guard/forward Sharon Max (Kirtland, NM/Central H.S.), with 9 points, sophomore post Bobbie Wallin (Moriarty, NM/Moriarty H.S.), with 7 boards, and senior point guard Julie Smith (Albuquerque, NM/Eldorado, TX), with 8 assists.

The Zias’ 15-12 final record equals last year’s mark. ENMU has achieved a winning record or .500 record 15 times in 19 seasons under Head Coach Wayne Moore.