Athletic Report
January 24, 2002

EASTERN NEW MEXICO ROUTS ABILENE, 82-61
Five Greyhounds Score in Double Figures as ENMU Improves to 10-6 on the Season
PORTALES, NM – Eastern New Mexico University converted 57.4% of its field goals, including 63.0% in the second half, as the Greyhounds routed Abilene Christian University, 82-61, in a Lone Star Conference South Division game, Jan. 24 at Greyhound Arena. With the victory, ENMU improved to 10-6 overall, 1-2 in the LSC South. Abilene Christian dropped to 6-11 overall, 1-2 in the LSC South.

ENMU hit 31 of 54 field goals during the game, including 17 of 27 in the second half. The Hounds also achieved a 43-29 rebounding margin, and limited ACU to 35.8% shooting for the game (24 of 67). The Greyhounds led 38-26 at halftime, and quickly expanded their advantage with a 12-2 run to start the second half. Cedric Palmer (Jr., F, Houston, TX/McLennan C.C.) scored 17 points on 5 of 7 field goals and 7 of 9 free throws to lead five Eastern players in double figures. Palmer also grabbed 6 boards.

Joel Simpson (Jr., F, Detroit, MI/Kilgore College) followed with 14 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, while Jonathan Cooper (Jr., G, Richton Park, IL/Chaffey College) added 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. The Greyhounds also received 11 points from freshman forward Jamaal Hunnicutt (Amarillo, TX/Hill J.C.).

Randy Johnson (Jr., G, Italy, TX/McLennan C.C.) completed the list of double- digit scorers by tallying 10 points. Johnson also provided 5 assists, 4 steals and a blocked shot. Eastern reached the 10-win mark for the first time since the 1996-97 season, when the Greyhounds finished 18-9.

ENMU also won an LSC South game by more than 20 points for the first time since a 103-55 victory over Angelo State on Feb. 22, 1997. Abilene Christian was led by Tucker Pierson, Rodney Lee and Jeremy Brown, each with 12 points. Howard Johnson also reached double figures with 11 points. Pierson, Brown and Jeff Johnson tied for the ACU rebounding lead with 6 boards apiece.

The Wildcats tied the game early at 2-2, but the Hounds scored the next seven points on their way to an 11-4 lead just 3:12 into the game.ENMU increased the margin to 11 points, 26-15, on a 3-pointer by Rashad Sullivan (Jr., G, Enid, OK/Rose State J.C.) with 8:08 left in the opening period. The Hounds led by as many as 17 points in the first half.

ENMU, now 6-0 at home this season, remains at Greyhound Arena on Saturday, Jan. 26 for an LSC South match-up with Angelo State University. The game is the third contest in a 6-game homestand for the Greyhounds. Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. (MST). Angelo State is 15-4 overall and 3-0 in the LSC South after defeating West Texas A&M, 82-80, on Jan. 24. The Rams are the defending LSC South champions.