Athletic Report
January 6, 2001

NSU’S SHEPHERD SCORES 28 POINTS
AS REDMEN DEFEAT GREYHOUNDS, 75-50
PORTALES, NM — Northeastern State University outscored Eastern New Mexico University 22-5 during the final 11:59 of the first half, as the Redmen built a 35-15 halftime lead in a 75-60 victory over the Greyhounds, Jan. 6 at Greyhound Arena.

Jon Shepherd of NSU scored 28 points to lead all players in the Lone Star Conference crossover game. NSU upped its season record to 9-3, while ENMU fell to 3-9. Crossover games do not count in the LSC divisional standings.

NSU led 11-2 just 4:05 into the game, but the Greyhounds pulled within three points, 13-10, with 11:59 remaining in the opening stanza. Eastern’s 8-2 run included 4 points by Rudy Charles (Fr., G, Las Vegas, NV/Durango H.S.) on a basket and two free throws. The Greyhounds scored just five more points before halftime, as the Redmen took charge of the game. Shepherd scored 16 points on 7 of 10 shooting to lead NSU’s first half efforts.

The Redmen also excelled on defense over the first 20 minutes, limiting ENMU to 6 of 24 on field goal attempts. In the second half, NSU outscored the Greyhounds, 40-35.

Eastern New Mexico’s field goal shooting improved dramatically in the second half, as the Hounds made 14 of 26 shots. Northeastern State also converted 14 of 26 field goals over the final 20 minutes.

Shepherd’s 28 points came on 11 of 15 field goal attempts, plus a 6 for 6 performance at the line. Shepherd also recorded 5 rebounds for NSU. Joining Shepherd in double figures for the Redmen were Wes Pitcock and Danny Reese. Each tallied 13 points, with Reese also earning 7 rebounds and Pitcock adding 5 boards.

The Redmen finished the game with a 33-28 rebounding edge. Eastern New Mexico’s leading scorer was Brandon Ridenour (Sr., G, Lovington, NM/ New Mexico J.C.), who connected on 6 of 11 field goals (4 of 6 three-pointers) for 16 points.

Brenton Robinson (Jr., F/C, Tucson, AZ/Central Arizona) converted 5 of 6 shots from the floor in the second half to conclude the game with 10 points. Robinson also grabbed 6 rebounds. Charles supplied 9 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists for the Greyhounds.

The Greyhounds return to action on Thursday, Jan. 11, in an LSC crossover game at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. (MST).