Sports Release
January 7, 1999

EASTERN DEFEATS #22 ABILENE CHRISTIAN, 70-67
PORTALES, NM — Junior post Amanda Mendez (5’11”, San Antonio, TX/Madison H.S.) scored 20 points to lead Eastern New Mexico University to a 70-67 Lone Star Conference victory over 22nd-ranked (NCAA Div. II) Abilene Christian, at Greyhound Arena. The win improved ENMU, ranked 10th in the South Central Region, to 8-3 overall and 2-0 in the LSC. Abilene Christian, ranked 3rd in the South Central Region, fell to 9-4 overall and 1-1 in the LSC.

ENMU trailed 51-45 with 8:46 remaining, but the Zias went on a 13-0 run to take a 58-51 lead with 5:14 left. Mendez scored six points during the run, and Katheryne Hickman (6’0”, So., Post, San Antonio, TX/Castle Hill 1st Baptist) added a 3-pointer for the Zias.

Eastern New Mexico led the rest of the way, although ACU got within two points, 65-63, with 1:13 left. Mendez connected on a 5-foot turnaround jumper with 42 seconds to go and only two seconds remaining on the shot clock. Senior point guard Julie Smith (5’8”, Albuquerque, NM/ Eldorado H.S.) added a free throw with 24 seconds left, and Hickman went 2 for 2 at the line with 0:12 remaining., as ENMU secured the win. ACU scored the game’s final basket with four seconds left.

Mendez was one of three Zias in double figures. The others were Hickman, with 12 points, and sophomore guard/forward Brandi Bates (5’8”, Plainview, TX/Plainview H.S.) with 11 points. Bates led the Zias with 8 rebounds, while Smith recorded 10 assists — 9 in the second half.

Amber Tate led the Wildcats in scoring with 25 points. She was 6 of 10 from the field, including 5 of 7 on three pointers. Tate also sank 8 of 9 free throws. Ashley Gray added 12 points and Jackie Bucher scored 11 points.

ENMU remains at home on Saturday (Jan. 9), when the Zias take on Angelo State. Tipoff at Greyhound Arena is set for 5:30 p.m. (MST).