Athletic Report
January 23, 2001

HICKMAN SCORES 30 POINTS IN LOSS AT WTAMU
CANYON, TX — Katheryne Hickman (Sr., F, San Antonio, TX/Castle Hills Baptist H.S.) scored a career-high 30 points, but the Eastern New Mexico University Zias couldn’t hold off West Texas A&M University, as the Lady Buffs rallied from a 35-24 deficit early in the second half to defeat the Zias, 68-56, Jan. 23 in Canyon, Texas.

WTAMU improved to 11-4 overall with the Lone Star Conference victory. The Lady Buffs also improved to 2-1 in the LSC South. Eastern New Mexico fell to 5-9 overall and to 1-2 in the LSC South.

Hickman, who’s previous high was 29 points against Texas A&M University-Commerce on Jan. 18, 2000, scored 18 of her 30 points in the first half against WTAMU. She was 8 of 9 from the floor during the first 20 minutes, including 2 of 2 from 3-point range. She concluded the night 13 of 18 on field goals (4 of 6 three-pointers).

Behind Hickman’s outstanding first half shooting, the Zias built leads of 11-2 and 19-10 during the opening 11 minutes of play. Although WTAMU closed the half with a 14-10 run the Zias were still in front 29-24 at the break.

ENMU increased its lead to 11 points early in the second half, on three-pointers by Sharon Max (Sr., G/F, Fruitland, NM/Kirtland Central H.S.) and Hickman. WTAMU then exploded for 44 second-half points, including 17 from Adrian Quihuis and 10 from Brandi Green. Quihuis, 1 of 8 on field goals in the first half, connected on 7 of 8 shots in the second half.

The Lady Buffs tied the game, 40-40, with 9:39 remaining on a rebound and layup by Quihuis. WTAMU moved in front for good 10 seconds later, when Green scored a basket. Eastern was within 4 points, 59-55, with 3:36 left, but WTAMU pulled away in the final minutes.

For ENMU, Max scored 10 points, and was the only player to join Hickman in double figures. Max also led the Zias’ rebounding efforts, with 6 boards. Overall, the Zias held a 38-35 rebounding edge. Brandi Bates (Sr., G/F, Plainview, TX/Plainview H.S.) provided 5 assists and earned 4 rebounds. Quihuis totaled 24 points to lead West Texas A&M. She also recorded 6 rebounds. Green scored 18 points and led all players with 12 rebounds.

The Zias, who concluded their 5-game road trip with a 1-4 record, return to Greyhound Arena on Thursday, Jan. 25, for an LSC South contest against Tarleton State University. Tipoff in Portales, N.M. is set for 6:00 p.m. (MST).