Athletic Report
February 14, 2000

ZIAS CLINCH LSC TOURNAMENT BERTH WITH 68-53 WIN OVER MIDWESTERN STATE
PORTALES, NM — Eastern New Mexico University built a 36-24 halftime lead then held off Midwestern State University in the second half, as the Zias defeated the Lady Indians, 68-53, Feb. 14 at Greyhound Arena.

The victory clinched an LSC Tournament berth for ENMU, which won for the ninth time in its last 10 games. ENMU improved to 16-7 overall and 9-4 in the LSC South. The Zias are currently third in the division, 2 1/2 games ahead of Abilene Christian (6-6). MSU fell to 6-7 in the division, 1/2-game behind ACU for the fourth and final LSC Tournament berth from the South Division.

The Zias quickly built a 21-14 lead in the first 7:13 of the game. ENMU increased its lead to 29-11 at the 7:49 mark, but MSU cut the deficit to 12 points by ending the half with a 13-7 run. Eastern held between a 9-point and a 13-point lead for most of the second half. The Lady Indians pulled within 8 points, 51-43 with 4:59 left. Midwestern also trailed 53-45 at the 4:35 mark, after TeNay Garrett hit a 6-foot jumper. Garrett scored a game-high 20 points, but MSU was unable to get closer the rest of the way.

ENMU led by 10 points when MSU’s Heather O’Neal was called for a personal foul, then a technical foul with 4:21 to go. Lisa Rollins (Jr., Post, Fort Worth, TX/Weatherford College) shot the 1-and-1, and made both free throws. Katheryne Hickman (Jr., Post/Forward, San Antonio, TX/Castle Hills Baptist H.S.) added both technical shots, giving ENMU a 14-point lead, 59-45.

In addition to topping all players with 20 points, Garrett also led the Lady Indians with 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Kelly Harrelson provided 12 points and 2 assists for Midwestern.

The Zias placed four players in double figures, led by Hickman with 13 points. Brandi Bates (Jr., G/F, Plainview, TX/Plainview H.S.) added 12 points, while Jody Avent (Jr., G, Stinnett, TX/South Plains College) and Missy Frazier (So., G, Levelland, TX/South Plains College) each contributed 11 points. Rollins led ENMU with 6 rebounds, but received strong support from seven other players with at least three boards apiece. The Zias achieved a 42-34 rebounding edge.

The Zias shot 36.2% for the game, but made 21 of 25 free throws. ENMU limited the Lady Indians to 30.2% from the floor. MSU converted 17 of 25 free throws.

The Zias play again on Thur., Feb. 17, when they take on the LSC South’s top team, Texas A&M-Kingsville. Tipoff in Kingsville, Texas is set for 4:30 p.m. (MST). The Lady Javelinas are 18-6 overall and 13-1 in the LSC South.

The Zias gave Kingsville its only loss in LSC play, 69-66, at Greyhound Arena, Jan. 22.