Athletic Report
February 5, 2000

WAYNE MOORE EARNS 300TH VICTORY AS ZIAS DEFEAT ABILENE CHRISTIAN, 74-68
PORTALES, NM — Eastern New Mexico shot 50.0% and forced 24 turnovers, as the Zias gave Head Coach Wayne Moore his 300th victory with a 74-68 win over Abilene Christian, Feb. 5 at Greyhound Arena.

The Zias, playing in front of 2,500 fans on “Pack the Gym” night, extended their winning streak to 8 games, improving to 15-6. ACU fell to 10-10. ENMU now owns a 2-game lead over ACU for 3rd place in the Lone Star Conference South Division.

The Zias (8-3) trail Texas A&M-Kingsville (11-1) and West Texas A&M (10-2) in the 9-team division. ACU (6-5) holds 4th place, ahead of Midwestern State (4-6) and Tarleton State (4-7). Four teams from the South will qualify for the LSC Tournament Feb. 29-Mar. 4.

Moore, in his 20th season at ENMU, has an overall record of 300-220 (.577). He has been named LSC Coach-of-the-Year three times (1989-90, 1990-91, 1992-93), and has guided the Zias to 13 LSC Tournament berths since 1985-86. Against ACU, the Zias trailed 17-12 after 10 minutes, but answered with a 6-0 run for an 18-17 lead.

The teams were tied, 31-31, at halftime. The score remained close for most of the second half. ENMU took the lead for good, 49-48, with 8:13 left, on a 5-foot jumper by Katheryne Hickman (Jr., Post/Forward, San Antonio, TX/Castle Hills Baptist H.S.). The basket started a 6-0 run for a 53-47 advantage.

ACU cut the deficit to one point, 57-56, following a 3-pointer by Ashley Gray with 3:01 left. The Zias took control by scoring the next 7 points, and led 64-56 with 1:54 to go. ENMU sank 12 of 14 free throws in the final 1:26 to secure the win. The Wildcats pulled within three points, 68-65, with 0:27 left, but ENMU scored the next six points.

Hickman, Jody Avent (Jr., G, Stinnett, TX/South Plains College) and Missy Frazier (So., G, Levelland, TX/South Plains) each went 2 for 2 at the line, as the Zias took a 74-65 lead. Kristi Taylor of ACU scored the game’s final basket on a 3-pointer with 0:03 left. Hickman and Avent provided 18 points apiece for the Zias.

Hickman also grabbed 7 rebounds, and Avent recorded 4 assists. Brandi Bates (Jr., G/F, Plainview, TX/ Plainview H.S.) added 11 points. The Zias were 23 of 46 on field goals and committed just 13 turnovers. Jackie Bucher led ACU with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Brenda Jacoby scored 12 points and Shara Helmbeck contributed 11 points.

ENMU is idle until Sat., Feb. 12, when the Zias travel to Canyon, Texas to take on West Texas A&M. Game time is set for 5:00 p.m. (MST).