Athletic Report
January 4, 2000

TARLETON STATE HOLDS OFF ENMU RALLY
PORTALES, NM — Tarleton State University held off a late Eastern New Mexico University rally to defeat the Greyhounds, 66-62, Jan. 4 at Greyhound Arena.

TSU improved to 9-1 overall and 2-0 in the Lone Star Conference South Division. ENMU fell to 3-9 overall, 0-2 in the LSC South.

Tarleton State tied its largest lead of the game (13 points) at 58-45 with 4:14 remaining. Eastern New Mexico pulled within 7 points, 61-54, on a 3-pointer by Brandon Ridenour (Jr., G, Lovington, NM/New Mexico J.C.) with 1:55 left.

ENMU also trailed by 7 points, 64-57, when Ridenour was fouled by TSU’s Peter Praznovsky with 23 seconds left. Ivan Watson of TSU complained about the call and was charged with a technical foul. Ridenour made 2 of 4 free throws, pulling the Greyhounds within 5 points at 64-59.

ENMU put the ball back into play near mid-court. The in-bounds pass went to Ridenour, who was knocked over as Watson stole the ball. Watson passed to Collat Johnson, who was intentionally fouled under the basket by Heath Ridenour (Fr, G, Lovington, NM/Lovington H.S.). Johnson missed both shots, but Chris Reisman was fouled on the in-bounds pass, and sank 1 of 2 charity shots for a 65-59 lead.

Eastern pulled within 3 points when Heath Ridenour made a 3-pointer with 7 seconds remaining. Watson was fouled one second later, and sank the second of two free throws to secure the 4-point win for the Texans.

The Greyhounds, who trailed 33-22 at halftime, gave up little ground in the second half. ENMU, which shot just 30.8% (8 of 26) in the first half, connected on 45.2% (14 of 31) during the final 20 minutes. Meanwhile, TSU fell off from 51.9% shooting (14 of 27) over the first 20 minutes to just 35.7% (10 of 28) in the second half.

Brandon Burney led the Texans with 18 points. Aaron King added 15 points (5 of 9 three-pointers). Praznovsky scored 14 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Johnson contributed 7 points and a game-high 13 boards.

Brandon Ridenour led ENMU with 22 points. He also earned 6 assists, and 4 rebounds. Cord Wilburn (Sr., G, Artesia, NM/Otero J.C.) added 11 points. Keenan Browder (Fr., F, Gary, IN/Bishop Noll Inst.) scored 10 points, grabbed 5 boards, had 4 assists and made 3 steals.

ENMU plays at Abilene Christian on Sat., Jan. 8 at 7:00 p.m. (MST). The Greyhounds will complete the two-game road trip at Angelo State on Mon., Jan. 10 at 7:00 p.m. (MST).