Athletic Report
November 20, 1999

ENMU WINS AL KALY SHRINE CLASSIC WITH 56-44 WIN OVER HOST SOUTHERN COLORADO
Bobbie Wallin Chosen MVP
PUEBLO, CO — Junior post player Bobbie Wallin (Moriarty, NM/Moriarty H.S.) scored 18 points and recorded 11 rebounds, leading Eastern New Mexico University to a 56-44 victory over the University of Southern Colorado, in the second round of the Al Kaly Shrine Classic, hosted by USC in Pueblo, Colo. ENMU won the tournament and improved to 2-0 on the season. Southern Colorado fell to 1-1.

Wallin, who scored 18 points and grabbed 6 rebounds in the Zias’ first game, was chosen MVP of the Shrine Classic. She finished the two-day event with 36 points and 17 rebounds. She was 15 of 33 (45.5%) from the floor.

The Zias sprinted out to an 18-3 lead, and remained in front, 31-20, at halftime. Southern Colorado got as close as 6 points in the second half, and trailed just 49-42 with 5:32 left. Eastern scored the next 7 points while shutting out the Thunderwolves for just over 5 minutes. Karen Nadeau made two free throws with 0:28 left for USC’s final points.

ENMU limited Southern Colorado to just 17.6% shooting (7 of 42), including 2 of 15 in the first half. The Zias were called for 24 fouls, with the Thunderwolves sinking 27 of 34 free throws to remain within striking distance most of the game. Southern Colorado was whistled for 20 fouls.

The Zias converted 14 of 23 attempts from the charity stripe. USC’s Erin Plumer and Shannon Grace fouled out. Wallin was the only player for either team in double figures. ENMU received 8 points from Missy Frazier (So., G, Levelland, TX/South Plains College) and Amanda Hewitt (Sr., P, San Antonio, TX/Madison H.S.). Brandi Bates (Jr., G/F, Plainview, TX/Plainview H.S.) and Jenny Conaway (Sr., P, Midland, TX/South Plains College) each supplied 7 points.

Jody Avent (Jr., G, Stinnett, TX/South Plains) contributed 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal for the Zias. Conaway added 5 boards, while Hewitt produced 5 rebounds and 3 assists. Avent and Hewitt joined Wallin as All-Tournament selections from Eastern New Mexico.

The Thunderwolves were led by Grace, Shawana McElroy and Micki Smith with 8 points apiece. Nadeau and Serenity Carbone each scored 7 points. USC committed 22 turnovers and was outrebounded by ENMU, 48-37.

The Zias are idle until their home opener on Sat., Nov. 27 against Southwestern Oklahoma. Tipoff at Greyhound Arena is set for 6:00 p.m. (MST).