Athletic Report
November 19, 1999

ENMU DEFEATS PANHANDLE STATE, 85-75
Juco Transfer McCaskill hits 8 of 9, Scores 17
PORTALES, NM — The Greyhounds of Eastern New Mexico opened the 1999-2000 season with an 85-75 victory over visiting Oklahoma Panhandle State, on Fri., Nov. 19, at Greyhound Arena.

The game was also the season opener for OPSU. Junior college transfer Rob McCaskill (Jr., F/C, Greenwood, MS/North Lake C.C.) led ENMU with 17 points on 8 of 9 shots from the floor. He also grabbed 10 rebounds, blocked 2 shots and recorded 2 steals. McCaskill, 6’8”, was 1 for 2 at the line.

ENMU led 41-34 at halftime, and never trailed in the second half. The Hounds led by 12 points, 65-53, with 6:03 left in the game, but Panhandle got back within 6 points, 67-61, at the 4:55 mark. The Greyhounds scored the next four points on two free throws by Torry Peoples (Fr., G, Hobbs, NM/Hobbs H.S.) and a steal and dunk by McCaskill. OPSU trailed by at least 7 points the rest of the way.

McCaskill was one of five Greyhounds in double figures. Peoples and senior point guard Cord Wilburn (Artesia, NM/Otero J.C.) each scored 16 points, while junior guard Brandon Ridenour (Lovington, NM/New Mexico J.C.) and freshman forward Keenan Browder (Gary, IN/Bishop Noll Institute) added 10 points apiece.

Browder contributed 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. Wilburn sank 7 of 7 free throws, provided 6 assists and grabbed 5 rebounds. Peoples also had 5 rebounds, while Ridenour chipped in 4 boards, 1 assist, 1 blocked shot and 1 steal. Overall, Eastern New Mexico was 32 of 80 (.400) from the floor.

The Greyhounds achieved a 48-40 rebounding margin, and committed just 12 turnovers. OPSU connected on 15 of 29 three-pointers, but made 25 turnovers. The Aggies were 8 of 10 at the line.

Top scorers for Panhandle were Brant Holloway and Donnie Blanchat with 17 points each. Chris Dobson added 14 points and Harland Burgess earned 13 points. B.J. Thomas also reached double digits, as he provided 10 points. Blanchat also led the Aggies with 8 rebounds, while Reggie Abraham grabbed 7 rebounds.

Eastern New Mexico returns to action on Mon., Nov. 22 against intrastate rival Western New Mexico. Tipoff at Greyhound Arena is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. (MST).