Athletic Report
February 1, 2001

ZIAS FALL TO TAMU-COMMERCE, 77-53
Katheryne Hickman Scores 26 for ENMU
PORTALES, NM — Texas A&M-Commerce sank 9 of 14 three-point shots and converted 51.8% from the field, as the Lions defeated Eastern New Mexico University, 77-53, in a Lone Star Conference game at Greyhound Arena, Feb. 1. The Lions, who connected on 29 of 56 shots, upped their overall record to 6-13, while improving to 3-4 in the LSC South. Eastern fell to 6-11 overall, 2-4 in the LSC South.

The Lions built a 36-28 halftime lead, then scored the first 7 points of the second half for a 43-28 advantage. The Zias answered with a 9-2 run that cut the deficit 45-37 with 14:15 to go. TAMU-Commerce countered with another run, 15-4, to take a 19-point lead, 60-41, with 9:47 remaining.

Summer Sparnon scored 21 points to lead the Lions. She was 8 of 12 from the field, including 5 of 5 on three-pointers. Amy Putman added 17 points on 7 of 12 shooting and 3 of 4 at the line. She also grabbed 8 rebounds. Kristen Young led all players with 11 rebounds for A&M-C.

ENMU received a game-high 26 points from Katheryne Hickman (Sr., F/C, San Antonio, TX/Castle Hills Baptist H.S.), who made 11 of 21 field goals. Hickman moved up to 8th on Eastern’s all-time scoring list, with 1,082 points. She needs 27 points to reach Teresa Ramos (1988-92) in 7th place at 1,109. Hickman also grabbed 5 rebounds and earned 2 assists for ENMU. She was joined in double figures by Brandi Bates (Sr., G/F, Plainview, TX/Plainview H.S.), who tallied 11 points, grabbed 9 boards and provided 3 assists.

TAMU-Commerce was 29 of 56 from the field (51.8%), while ENMU converted 22 of 62 shots (35.5%). The Lions also held a 42-34 rebounding margin. While A&M-C was hitting 9 of 14 three-pointers, the Zias sank just 1 of 17 three-point attempts. Hickman (1 of 7) was the only Zia with a three-point basket.

ENMU will host defending LSC champion Texas A&M-Kingsville on Saturday, Feb. 3. Game time at Greyhound Arena is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. (MST). Last year, ENMU defeated TAMUK, 69-66, in Portales. It was TAMUK’s only LSC South loss of the season.