Athletic Report
January 11, 2001

ZIAS FALL TO SE OKLAHOMA, 78-73
DURANT, OK — Natalie Wembley hit the second of two free throws with 8:29 left in the game to break a 51-51 tie, giving Southeastern Oklahoma State University the lead for good in a 78-73 win over Eastern New Mexico University, Jan. 11 in Durant, Okla. Southeastern Oklahoma improved to 8-3 with the Lone Star Conference crossover victory, while ENMU dropped to 4-6. Crossover games do not count in the LSC divisional standings.

Eastern New Mexico held a 33-31 halftime lead, and the teams were tied 51-51 after Tera Newnam of SOSU made a layup with 8:55 left. Newman’s basket and Wembley’s ensuing free throw started a 23-9 run by the Lady Savages. The offensive surge erased a 51-49 ENMU lead, as SOSU built a 72-60 advantage with 1:52 remaining.

The Zias rallied in the final two minutes, eventually pulling within five points, 74-69, on two free throws by Katheryne Hickman (Sr., F, San Antonio, TX/Castle Hills Baptist H.S.) with 0:39 remaining. Southeastern Oklahoma secured the victory at the line, as Bandy Harris and Vanessa Tice each went 2 for 2 on charity shots the rest of the way.

SOSU placed three players in double figures. Tice topped the Lady Savages with 18 points, while Harris recorded 17 points and Brandi Robinson supplied 14 points. Southeastern Oklahoma was 35 of 43 at the free throw line, as Tice went 8 of 8 on charity shots and Harris made 9 of 10. Katy Morrow led the Lady Savages with 11 rebounds, while Harris contributed 5 steals.

Hickman led all players with 22 points. She was 7 of 14 from the field (4 of 6 three- pointers), while providing 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Sharon Max (Sr., G/F, Fruitland, NM/ Kirtland Central H.S.) added 15 points and 4 rebounds, while Jody Avent (Sr., G, Stinnett, TX/ South Plains College) scored 10 points on 10 of 13 free throws to go with 4 boards and 4 assists. Brandi Bates (Sr., G/F, Plainview, TX/Plainview H.S.) grabbed 10 rebounds.

Eastern New Mexico will play the second game of the Zias’ 5-game road trip on Saturday, Jan. 13 at East Central University in Ada, Okla. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. (MST).