Lubbock Christian Improves to 5-2
with 96-65 Win over Hounds in ENMU’s Opener
Pinckney is High Scorer for Eastern with 16 points

Box Score

PORTALES, N.M. — Lubbock Christian University shot 64.8% from the field and hit 15 of 16 free throws, as the Chaparrals improved to 5-2 with a 96-65 win over Eastern New Mexico University, Nov. 18 at Greyhound Arena. The game was ENMU’s season-opener.

LCU placed three players in double figures, led by Brandon Jones (Sr., G) with 29 points on 8 of 12 field goals (5 of 8 three-pointers) and 8 of 8 free throws. He scored 18 points in the first half by sinking 4 of 5 three-pointers plus all six of his free throw attempts.

Jared Fears (Sr., G) contributed 24 points for the Chaps. He was 9 of 12 from the floor and 5 for 5 at the line. In the first half, he sank 5 of 6 field goals and his only free throw attempt, as he provided 11 points. Eric Sheets (Jr., G) provided 16 points and was 6 of 7 from the field, including 3 of 4 on three-pointers. Sheets scored his final 13 points in the second half.

Jones, Jared Fears and Sheets combined to make 23 of 31 field goals (74.2%) for LCU. They were 9-15 (60.0%) on three-point shots. Maro Muzurovic (Sr., F) led the Chaps with seven rebounds, while Jamaal Fears (Jr., G) provided seven points.

ENMU led 2-0 on a jumper by Billy Austin (Jr., G, Hobbs, NM/Eastern Wyoming CC) one minute into the game. The score was tied 4-4 at the 17:53 mark, after Eastern’s Jamaal Hunnicutt (Sr., F, Amarillo, TX/Hill JC) nailed another jump shot for the Greyhounds. LCU scored the next 11 points to start a 23-4 surge to build the Chaparrals a 27-8 lead.

he Greyhounds pulled within 43-30 with 51 seconds remaining in the half on a 3-pointer by Edmound Elzy (Sr., G, Victorville, CA/Barstow CC), but gave up a 3-pointer to Jamaal Fears with 30 seconds on the clock. The Hounds also committed a turnover with seven seconds to go, providing the chance for Lance Boxell (Jr., G) to tack on a layup with two seconds left.

The Chaps connected on 17 of 27 field goals (63.0%) in the first half, including 6 of 9 on three-point shots. LCU converted 18 of 27 shots (66.7%) during the final 20 minutes. ENMU got back within 13 points two times in the first two minutes of the second half, but trailed 57-37 with 15:06 remaining and 69-44 at the 9:42 mark.

ENMU was led by senior guard Irshaun Pinckney (Clovis, NM/Clovis HS) with 16 points. He also had two assists, two steals and four rebounds. Other double-digit scorers for the Greyhounds were Hunnicutt, with 12 points, and Jolen Montoya (Jr., G, Cordova, NM/Neosho County CC), also with 12 points. Austin supplied eight points on the night.

Hunnicutt topped the ENMU rebounding effort with seven boards. Austin followed with five rebounds. LCU won the overall rebounding battle with a 28-27 edge.

Eastern shot just 32.0% in the first half (8 of 25), but improved to 44.4% (12 of 27) in the second half. The Hounds concluded the game at 38.5% overall.

ENMU shot well at the foul line, converting 21 of 25 charity shots. The Hounds struggled, however, from three-point range (4 of 11, 36.4%). Pinckney (2 for 2) was the only ENMU player with more than one three-point basket. LCU recorded 10 steals, while Eastern was credited with six steals. The Chaps also blocked four shots and forced ENMU into 19 turnovers. LCU was called for 16 turnovers.

The Greyhounds will return to action on Saturday, Nov. 20, at Adams State College. Tipoff in Alamosa, Colo., is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST.