Sports Release
January 9, 1999

GREYHOUNDS DEFEAT ANGELO STATE, 103-95
Deron Rippey Scores 26 for ENMU
PORTALES, NM — The Eastern New Mexico University Greyhounds shot 60.4% from the field on their way to a 103-95 victory over visiting Angelo State University, in a Lone Star Conference South Division game, Jan. 9 at Greyhound Arena. ENMU moved above the .500-mark at 7-6, while evening its LSC record at 1-1. Angelo State dropped to 11-5 overall and 1-2 in the LSC.

ENMU was led by the play of senior forward Deron Rippey (6’4”, Brooklyn, NY/East Carolina University), who scored 26 points and recorded 6 rebounds. Rippey was 7 of 11 from the field, and added 12 free throws on 15 attempts at the line. He came into the game shooting 63.8% on field goals, and was ranked 14th nationally in NCAA Division II in field goal percentage.

Rippey was one of four Greyhounds in double figures. Junior guard Matt Vail (6’4”, Grants, NM/Grants H.S.) provided 18 points, junior guard James Franklin (5’11”, Houston, TX/Trinidad State J.C.) scored 16 points, and senior center Craig Ferris (6’6”, Ethete, WY/Casper College) added 15 points. Franklin had 5 assists and 6 steals, while Vail added 3 assists and 4 steals. Junior forward Val Petteway (6’4”, Galveston, TX/Lee College) grabbed 8 rebounds for ENMU.

Gerald Morris of Angelo State led all players with 35 points on 15 of 19 field goal shooting and 5 of 5 at the line. Chris Connolly and Delwin Smith each scored 16 points for the Rams. Connolly also registered 7 rebounds. Terry Murray and Justin Cuculich brought down 8 boards apiece for ASU.

ENMU led by 18 points, 52-34, with 2:34 remaining in the first half, but ASU closed the half with a 10-1 run to cut the deficit to 9 points, 53-44 at the break. The Rams pulled within three points, 53-50, with 17:40 remaining in the game, but the Greyhounds pushed the lead back to 16 points, 70-54, at the 12:18 mark.

Angelo State made it close in the final minute, pulling within 5 points, 100-95, with 33 seconds left. The Greyhounds secured the game by sinking 3 of 4 free throws the rest of the way.

ENMU plays its next four games on the road, starting with a game at Tarleton State on Thurs., Jan. 14 (7:00 p.m. MST). The Greyhounds conclude the week at Midwestern State on Sat., Jan. 16. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. MST.