Athletic Report
Jan 18, 2000

WESTERN NEW MEXICO SLIPS PAST
EASTERN NEW MEXICO, 73-72, IN OVERTIME
SILVER CITY, NM — Michael Stidham made a pair of free throws with 5 seconds left in overtime, as Western New Mexico University edged Eastern New Mexico University, 73-72, on Tues., Jan. 18. WNMU improved to 4-11 overall, while ENMU fell to 3-13 on the season.

ENMU forced overtime when Brandon Ridenour (Jr., G, Lovington, NM/New Mexico J.C.) converted the second of two free throws with 4 seconds left. WNMU’s Jacob Marin, who missed a pair of free throws with 6 second left, fouled Ridenour after Eastern rebounded the second shot.

The teams headed to overtime tied, 64-64. Rob McCaskill (Jr., F/C, Greenwood, MS/North Lake C.C.) gave ENMU a 72-71 lead by sinking the first of two free throws after Gary Gully of WNMU was called for a flagrant foul with 50 seconds left in overtime. ENMU retained possession after McCaskill missed the second free throw, but the Greyhounds were unable to score.

The Mustangs received the ball on an ENMU turnover with about 20 seconds left. Stidham then provided the tying and winning points at the free throw line. Eastern moved the ball across mid-court, but missed a 35-foot shot at the buzzer. Gully led Western New Mexico with 16 points, while Doug Barnes added 15 points and Stidham scored 10 points. Stidham also recorded a team-high 8 rebounds.

Senior guard Cord Wilburn topped Eastern New Mexico with 20 points. He also earned 6 assists, 4 steals and 5 rebounds. Ridenour added 16 points, and McCaskill finished a strong night with 14 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. Chris Gonzales (Jr., G, Albuquerque, NM/ La Cueva H.S.) added 9 points, and Nelson Smith (Jr., C, Albuquerque, NM/Univ. of Miami) scored 7 points and recorded 6 rebounds.

ENMU returns to action on Sat., Jan. 22, when the Greyhounds take on Texas A&M- Kingsville at Greyhound Arena. Game time for the LSC South Division contest is set for 8:00 p.m. (MST).