NE State Builds Big Lead, then Fends off ENMU Zias for 68-62 Win

PORTALES, NM – Fala Suiaunoa scored 20 points, including a key free throw with 37 seconds remaining, as Northeastern State University outlasted Eastern New Mexico University, 68-62, in a Lone Star Conference crossover game, Jan. 4 at Greyhound Arena. NSU, which led 21-4 early in the game, improved to 7-4 on the season. Eastern, which lost for the sixth consecutive game, fell to 2-7. Crossover games do not count in the LSC division standings.

Suiaunoa was six of seven from the field, including an impressive five of six on three-point shots. She connected on two of her three-pointers in the first 8:02 of the game, helping NSU build its 21-4 lead.

ENMU, which recorded its last win Nov. 25 in an 84-68 triumph over New Mexico Highlands University, countered Northeastern’s early run with a 7-0 run of its own. NE State led, 21-11, with 5:57 remaining in the first half.

Both teams scored eight more points before the halftime break, as the Lady Reds claimed a 29-19 lead. Eastern’s Elizabeth Richards (Fr., F, Texico, NM/Texico HS) scored the final basket of the half on a layup with five seconds on the clock. Richard’s layup was assisted by Tia Doss (So., Post, Albuquerque, NM/Highland HS), who setup the play with a steal.

The Lady Reds opened the second stanza with an 8-2 run, giving NSU a 37-21 advantage. NSU’s scoring outburst featured a jumper by Jenna Miller and 3-pointers from Suiaunoa and Joanna Golunska. Valencia Rollins (Sr., Post, Long Beach, CA/Western Wyoming College) of ENMU sandwiched a jump shot between Miller’s jumper and the pair of 3-pointers.

NSU’s 16-point lead with 18:04 remaining was the largest lead of the half. The Zias cut the disadvantage to eight points, 37-26, with a 5-0 run, then fell behind by 13-points, 43-30, with 14:01 remaining. The Zias also trailed 50-37 after Golunska sank two free throws with 9:37 left.

Eastern answered with the next four points, but did not cut the deficit to less than seven points until Richards made a layup with 4:19 left, reducing the Lady Reds’ lead to 57-51. Richards also scored the game’s next point on a free throw with 3:38 left.

Northeastern was in front, 63-55, with 1:20 to go. The lead quickly fell to five points, when Monica Trimble (Sr., F, Amarillo, TX/South Plains College) drilled a 3-pointer with 1:08 left. Cara Busson put in the second of two free throws with 53 seconds left, but Jennifer Strebeck (Fr., G, Texico, NM/Texico HS) countered with a jumper for the Zias at the 43-second mark, as ENMU pulled to within 64-60.

Suiaunoa was fouled by Doss with 37 seconds remaining. She missed the first charity shot, but sank the second, as NSU increased its lead to 65-60. Richards missed a 3-pointer on Eastern’s next possession, and Kelli Griffith of NSU sank two free throws with 26 seconds left.

The Zias received a field goal from Juliana Morrison (Jr., F, Amarillo, TX/Palo Duro HS) with 17 seconds left that cut the lead to 67-62, but it was Eastern’s final basket of the night. Alicia Keys concluded with a free throw for the Lady Reds with three seconds remaining.

Suiaunoa’s 20 points led all scorers. Keys also reached double figures for NE State, as she scored 12 points to go with five rebounds and two steals. Golunksa finished with nine points for the Lady Reds, while Leslie Warner matched Keys with five rebounds.
Richards topped Eastern’s scoring chart with 18 points. She also hauled down six rebounds. Doss accumulated 15 points on seven of nine field goals and one for one at the line. Rollins contributed nine points and a team-high seven rebounds for the Zias. Morrison earned four assists and two steals.

The Lady Reds shot 51.5% (17 of 33) for the game, including 61.5% (8 of 13) in the second half. NSU was successful on 10 of 21 three-pointers during the game. Eastern converted 45.3% of its field goals (24 of 53), but shot 65.4% (17 of 26) in the second period after sinking just 25.9% (7 of 27) in the first half. ENMU was five of 13 (38.5%) on three-pointers.

NSU took 31 charity shots, while ENMU attempted just 15 free throws. Northeastern sank 19 of 25 free throws in the second half, while ENMU made six of eight free throws following the halftime break.

ENMU has now lost four games by six points or less, including a two-points loss and a pair of four-point defeats. The Zias will play again on Thursday, Jan. 9 at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Game time in Durant, Okla., is scheduled for 5 p.m. (MST).