Sports Release
January 27, 1999

GREYHOUNDS DEFEAT AGGIES, 79-72
Deron Rippey Leads the way with 29 Points, 10 Assists, 8 Rebounds
PORTALES, NM — Eastern New Mexico University senior forward Deron Rippey (6’4”, Brooklyn, NY/East Carolina Univ.) scored 29 points, provided 10 assists, and grabbed 8 rebounds, leading the Greyhounds to a come-from-behind 79-72 victory over Oklahoma Panhandle State University at Greyhound Arena. The Greyhounds, who ended a four-game losing streak, rallied from a 39-31 halftime deficit and from a 47-39 deficit with 15:55 left.

Rippey scored 18 points, recorded 7 assists and hauled down 5 rebounds in the final 20 minutes. He assisted on a 3-pointer by junior guard James Franklin (5’11”, Houston, TX/Trinidad State J.C.) with 8:59 remaining that gave ENMU its first lead of the second half at 56-54. Rippey also converted several baskets after being fouled, and finished 11 of 21 on field goals and 7 of 12 at the line.

ENMU senior center Craig Ferris (6’6”, Ethete, WY/Casper College) put the Greyhounds in front for good with a layup at the 6:48 mark, as ENMU took a 59-58 lead. The Greyhounds increased their advantage to 11 points, 71-60, with 3:39 remaining, but OPSU was within 5 points, 73-68, with 1:22 left. Eastern converted 6 of 8 free throws the rest of the way to secure the win.

Rippey’s 29 points upped his season scoring average to 17.0 points per game. He has scored at least 19 points in seven consecutive games. He is ENMU’s leading scorer.

Franklin and junior guard Mat Vail (6’4”, Grants, NM/Grants H.S.) each scored 12 points for the Greyhounds. Senior center Byrone Williams (6’6”, Chicago, IL/Alaska- Anchorage) scored 8 points and provided 6 rebounds. Ferris scored 8 points and earned 5 rebounds. After allowing OPSU to shoot 59.1% in the first half (13 of 22), ENMU limited the Aggies to 41.9% in the second half (13 of 31).

Oklahoma Panhandle State was led by senior Donald Garrett, who topped all players with 37 points on 13 of 23 from the field and 11 of 13 at the charity stripe. He entered the game averaging 28.3 points per game. Trent Ritter contributed 12 points for the Aggies, while Cedric Jefferson added 9 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.

Eastern New Mexico takes on arch rival West Texas A&M in a Lone Star Conference South Division game on Sat., Jan. 30 in Canyon, Texas. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. (MST).