Athletic Report
February 18, 2000

TEXAS WOMAN’S DEFEATS EASTERN NEW MEXICO
Zias qualify for LSC Tournament, Will play at Ouachita Baptist on Tuesday
PORTALES, NM — The Eastern New Mexico overcame a 14-point deficit in the second half, but Texas Woman’s University edged the Zias, 68-63, in a Lone Star Conference South Division game, Feb. 26 at Greyhound Arena.

The Zias fell to 17-9 overall and to 10-6 in the LSC South. TWU improved to 8-18 on the season, 4-12 in the LSC South. Even with the loss, ENMU will be the #3 seed from the South Division in the Lone Star Conference Tournament.

The Zias will play a first round game at Ouachita Baptist University on Tuesday (Feb. 29). Tipoff in Arkadelphia, Ark. is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. (Mountain Time). Live coverage of the game can be heard on 95.3 FM KSEL-Country.

In Saturday’s game, the Zias shot just 27.6% in the first half, and trailed 33-25 at halftime. The Pioneers opened the second half with a 6-0 run to take a 39-25 lead with 18:27 left in the game.

ENMU scored the next 10 points, including six points on two three-pointers by Katheryne Hickman (Jr., Forward, San Antonio, TX/Castle Hills Baptist H.S.). The Zias were just four points out of the lead, 39-35, with 15:26 to go.

TWU led by six points, 54-48, with 8:27 left, but the Zias scored the next 7 points to take a 55-54 lead. The Pioneers regained the lead, and earned a 60-57 advantage with 3:14 remaining.

ENMU rallied again, using a jumper by Bobbie Wallin (Jr., Post, Moriarty, NM/Moriarty H.S.) and two free throws by Brandi Bates (Jr., G/F, Plainview, TX/Plainview H.S.) to take a 61-60 lead with 1:16 left.

The Pioneers outscored ENMU 8-2 the rest of the way. Christy Wells gave TWU the lead for good by sinking two free throws with 1:10 remaining. The Zias trailed 66-63 with 20 seconds left, but missed two 3-pointers in the final 10 seconds, then fouled Wendy Bartlett with 0:02 on the clock. Bartlett connected on both free throws for the final points of the game. Bartlett was TWU’s top scorer with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Christy Wells added 17 points and 6 boards for the Pioneers.

TWU shot 43.2% for the game (19 of 44) and held a 38-37 rebounding edge. ENMU made 10 fewer turnovers than the Pioneers (15 vs. 25), but the Zias shot just 32.3% (20 of 62). Hickman led ENMU with 16 points. She also had 7 rebounds and 3 steals.

Jenny Conaway (Sr., Post, Midland, TX/South Plains College) supplied a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Jody Avent (Jr., G, Stinnett, TX/South Plains ) scored 11 points and had 6 assists.