Sports Release
January 3, 1998

ZIAS RALLY PAST WEST TEXAS, 63-58
PORTALES, NM — Eastern New Mexico University rallied from a 5-point deficit in the final minutes to take a 63-58 victory over West Texas A&M University in the Lone Star Conference opener for both teams. ENMU improved to 7-3 on the season, while West Texas dropped to 6-7.

West Texas led 56-51 with 4:41 remaining, but the Zias used a pair of 3-point shots to take the lead with 1:46 left. Junior post Amanda Mendez (5’11”, San Antonio, TX/Madison H.S.) connected on the first three-pointer at the 2:06 mark. The Lady Buffs turned the ball over on their next possession and the Zias moved in front on a 3-pointer by junior guard/forward Sharon Max (6’0”, Kirtland, NM/ Kirtland H.S.).

ENMU extended its lead to 59-56 on two free throws by Mendez with 1:21 left. Eva Sabova answered with an 8-foot jumper at the 1:02 mark to pull West Texas within a single point. Max missed the front end of a one-and-one with 0:21 left, but Eastern’s Katheryne Hickman (So., 6’0”, San Antonio, TX/Castle Hills 1st Baptist H.S.) grabbed the rebound. She was fouled, and sank both free throws with 19 seconds remaining. She added two more free throws with 0:05 left.

Hickman, who connected on 8 of 8 free throws, led the Zias with 14 points. Mendez and sophomore post Bobbie Wallin (6’1”, Moriarty, NM/Moriarty H.S.) each added 13 points. Max and senior guard/forward Bria Norris (5’10”, Amarillo, TX/Amarillo H.S.) provided 9 points each.

West Texas was led by Windi Lackey, who scored 14 points and was 6 of 8 from the field. Brandi Green scored 11 points for the Lady Buffs. Eastern held a 34-33 rebounding edge, led by Mendez, who grabbed 8 boards. The Lady Buffs received 8 rebounds from Valeree Valdez and 7 rebounds from Lackey. West Texas led by as many as eight points, 20-12, in the first half, but ENMU rallied to tie the game, 31-31, at the intermission. ENMU took a 34-31 lead on a 3-pointer by Max just 10 seconds into the second half, but WTAMU moved in front just over two minutes later and held the lead for most of the half. The score was tied, 49-49, at the 6:56 mark, then West Texas went on a 7-2 run.

The game began a 3-game LSC homestand for the Zias. ENMU plays defending LSC South Division champion Abilene Christian on Thurs., Jan. 7 at 5:30 p.m. (MST) at Greyhound Arena. The Zias host Angelo State on Sat., Jan 9 at 5:30 p.m. (MST).