Central Oklahoma Hits 10 of 24 Three-Pointers in 82-69 Win over Eastern New Mexico University

PORTALES, NM – The University of Central Oklahoma connected on 10 of 24 three-point shots, as the Bronchos defeated Eastern New Mexico University, 82-69, Jan. 2 at Greyhound Arena. The Lone Star Conference crossover win improved UCO to 5-5 on the season, while ENMU fell to 2-6. LSC crossover games do not count in the division standings.

The Bronchos led by as many as 16 points in the first half (31-15 at the 7:38 mark), and held a 42-34 advantage at the intermission. UCO shot a solid 56.0% over the first 20 minutes, sinking 14 of 25 field goals, including six of 13 three-points shots. ENMU made 13 of 32 field goals in the first half (40.6%), but sank just one of five three-pointers during the period.

In the second half, ENMU rallied to within a single point, 51-50, when Latasha Mathiew (Jr., F, Houston, TX/Howard CC) completed a three-point play with 10:16 remaining, but UCO scored the next 12 points. The Zias cut the deficit to six points twice - at 65-59 with 5:18 left and 71-65 with 2:43 remaining, but never got closer the rest of the way.

Laura Hamilton of UCO scored 15 of her game-high 26 points in the second half. She was five for five on field goals over the final 20 minutes and finished the game eight of 12 overall. Hamilton also provided the Bronchos with four steals, two assists and three rebounds.

April Woods connected for 13 points and supplied UCO with seven rebounds. Erica Bramlett added 11 points and was six for six at the free throw line. Lindsey Smith contributed five points in 15 minutes and tied Woods for the team lead with seven boards. The Bronchos ended the game with 46.2% shooting (24 of 52) from the field and 75.0% accuracy (24 of 32) at the line.

ENMU placed four players in double figures, led by sophomore post Tia Doss (Albuquerque, NM/Highland HS) with 15 points and junior forward Juliana Morrison (Amarillo, TX/Palo Duro HS) with 14 points. Elizabeth Richards (Fr., F, Texico, NM/Texico HS) produced 13 points and also achieved six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Laci Lee (So., G, Portales, NM/Portales HS) earned 10 points, seven boards, five assists and three steals.

Eastern shot 45.5% in the second half (15 of 33) to finish the game at 43.1% (28 of 65) from the floor. The Zias were just 2 of 13 on three-pointers (15.4%) and 11 of 18 at the charity stripe (61.1%).

UCO held a slim 37-36 rebounding margin. The Zias forced the Bronchos into 22 turnovers, while ENMU lost the ball 20 times. Both teams had 11 turnovers in the first half.

The Zias will complete a 3-game homestand when they host Northeastern State University in another LSC crossover game on Saturday, Jan. 4. Tipoff at Greyhound Arena is scheduled for 2 p.m. (MST). ENMU will then play two road games before returning to Greyhound Arena to take on Cameron University on Jan. 16 at 5:30 p.m. (MST).