Athletic Report
Jan 15, 2000

WEST TEXAS A&M PULLS AWAY IN FINAL 10:00 FOR VICTORY OVER EASTERN NEW MEXICO
PORTALES, NM — West Texas A&M University broke open a close game with a 25-3 run over the final 10 minutes, as the Buffaloes defeated Eastern New Mexico University, 71-46, in Lone Star Conference action Jan. 15 at Greyhound Arena. The win upped WTAMU to 11-4 overall and 3-2 in the LSC South.

ENMU fell to 3-12 overall, 0-5 in the LSC South. Until the last 10 minutes, the Greyhounds played a strong game against the perennially-strong Buffaloes. ENMU led by six points, 26-20, with 4:10 remaining in the first half, and held a five-point lead, 33-28, at halftime. West Texas tied the game early in the second half.

The Buffaloes were in front, 41-38, with 14:25 remaining, and led by five points, 46-43, midway through the final 20-minute period. WTAMU scored the next six points before ENMU recorded its last basket, a 3-pointer by Heath Ridenour (Fr., G, Lovington, NM/Lovington H.S.) that cut the Hounds’ deficit to 52-46 with 6:34 left.

The Buffaloes then scored the final 19 points of the game to record the lopsided win. Esaw Scruggs led the Buffs with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Tyrone Byers added 13 points and 5 boards, while Rene Salomao contributed 12 points and 8 boards. Derrick Jackson provided 7 assists to go with 5 points.

ENMU’s top scorer was Ridenour with 10 points, including a pair of 3-pointers. Keenan Browder (Fr., F, Gary, IN/Bishop Noll Institute) scored 9 points, blocked 2 shots and made 2 steals. Cord Wilburn (Sr., G, Artesia, NM/Otero J.C.) scored 8 points and recorded 5 rebounds.

Rob McCaskill (Jr., F/C, Greenwood, MS/North Lake C.C.) was ENMU’s leading rebounder with 9 boards. He also scored 7 points and blocked 1 shot. The Greyhounds shot just 31.1% for the game, including 25.0% in the second half. ENMU committed 15 of its 24 turnovers during the final 20 minutes.

West Texas shot 44.8% for the game, bolstered by 48.5% accuracy in the second half. The Buffaloes achieved a 40-30 overall rebounding edge.

ENMU returns to action on Tues., Jan. 18, when it takes on intrastate rival Western New Mexico University. Tipoff in Silver City is set for 7:00 p.m. (MST).