Greyhounds Scare Mules in Loss to 14th-Ranked CMSU
ENMU Pulls within 68-65 with 1:55 Left, but Mules End Game with 7-2 Run

Box Score

LAS VEGAS, NEV. — In a game that featured scoring runs by both teams, the Central
Missouri State University Mules had the final run, outscoring Eastern New Mexico University 7-2 in the final 1:38, as CMSU defeated ENMU, 75-67, in the opening game of the High Desert Classic, Friday, Dec. 16 in Las Vegas, Nev. CMSU, ranked 14th in NCAA Division II, improved to 9-1 on the season. ENMU dropped to 4-5.

The Mules led 13-4 and 24-12 early in the game, only have the Greyhounds rally for a 33-29 lead. Joshua Jackson (Fr., G, Madison, WI/Madison West HS) scored eight points during the run, including two 3-pointers. Jolen Montoya (Sr., G, Cordova, NM/Neosho County CC) added five points on a 3-pointer plus the jumper that tied the score, 29-29, at the 6:55 mark. CMSU ended the first half with a 14-2 run for a 43-35 advantage.

In the second half, ENMU used a 13-4 run to pull in front, 48-47, but the Mules countered with a 16-3 offensive surge to claim a 63-51 lead with 6:05 left. Six CMSU players contributed to the run, with Andrae Brown scoring five points and Michael Hicks providing a three-pointer.

The Greyhounds mounted a final comeback, with Eastern outscoring the Mules 14-5 to cut the margin to three points, 68-65, at the 1:55 mark. Tristan Largent (Jr., G, Martinsburg, WV/Garrett College) led the rally with nine points, including three free throws with 4:13 left, after he was fouled on a 3-point attempt. The last two points of the rally came on a layup by Largent following a steal by Ira Cross (Jr., F, Munford, AL/Gadsden State CC).

Central Missouri secured the win with a 3-pointer by Theo Jones with 1:38 to go, plus a layup by Hicks with 40 seconds left and two free throws by Wadale Williams with 18 seconds remaining. CMSU was led by Hicks, who scored 29 points (10 of 18 FG, 6 of 11 three-pointers) and grabbed seven rebounds. Williams tacked on 10 points and achieved a game-high five assists. Brown and Alonzo Brooks added eight points apiece.

The Hounds received 18 points from Largent and 10 points each from Mikal Monette (Jr., F, Albuquerque, NM/University of New Mexico) and Jackson. Monette also hauled down a team-high eight rebounds. ENMU shot 49.2% from the field (29 of 59), but made just 4 of 17 shots from behind the 3-point arc. Eastern was 5 of 9 on free throws.

CMSU connected on 50.9% of its field goals (28 of 55). Led by Hicks, the Mules sank 9 of 18 three-pointers. CMSU also made 10 of 14 free throws (71.4%). Eastern forced the Mules to lose the ball 19 times, while the Hounds committed 17 turnovers. Central Missouri State gained a 32-29 edge on the boards.

The Greyhounds will play their final game in the High Desert Classic on Saturday, Dec. 17 against Drury University (Mo.). Game time is scheduled for 7:45 p.m. MST.