Monette Scores 18 Points, as Greyhounds Defeat Oklahoma Panhandle State, 69-53
Cross Adds 15 Points and 11 Rebounds for ENMU

Box Score

PORTALES, N.M. — Junior forward Mikal Monette (Albuquerque, NM/University of New Mexico) scored 18 points and hit all six of his shots from the floor, as he led Eastern New Mexico University to a 69-53 victory over visiting Oklahoma Panhandle State University, Saturday, Dec. 10 at Greyhound Arena. ENMU evened its overall record at 4-4, while OPSU remained winless at 0-9.

Monette was joined in double figures by three others Greyhounds, including junior forward Ira Cross (Munford, AL/Gadsden State CC), who recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Tristan Largent (Jr., G, Martinsburg, WV/Garrett College) hit the nets for 11 points to go with four rebounds and two assists. Stephen Wilson (Jr., G, Heflin, AL/Gadsden State CC) provided 11 points and seven rebounds.

The Aggies placed two players in double figures. Senior forward Nick Malinowski (6’7”), OPSU’s strongest outside threat, scored 13 points on 5 of 13 field goals, but hit just 2 of 7 three-pointers. Malinowski led the Aggies with 7 rebounds and also registered three assists. Another senior forward, William Preston, added 11 points on 5 of 8 shooting. Juan Carson and Eddie Moss tallied nine points each.

ENMU took a 7-2 lead in the first three minutes and led 16-9 following a fast-break layup by Monette with 13:21 left in the half. Panhandle State went on an 11-0 run to move in front, 20-16, at the 7:00 mark. Moss and Kyle Smith each it a three-pointer during the run.

OPSU also led 22-17, before the Greyhounds scored 12 unanswered points for a 29-22 advantage. The Hounds increased the margin to 10 points, 33-23, with 1:09 to go in the half. Eastern remained in front at the intermission, 34-25.

The Greyhounds started the second half with a 7-2 run that extended the lead to 41-27 with 14:57 left. The Aggies scored the next six points to cut the lead to eight points, but Monette ended the short run by sinking two free throws with 12:56 to go. OPSU trailed by double digits the rest of the night.

The next two games for Eastern New Mexico University will be played in Las Vegas, Nev., as part of the High Desert Classic on Dec. 16 and 17. Eastern will take on Central Missouri State University on Friday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. MST. The Hounds also will play Drury University (Mo.) on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7:45 p.m. ENMU will close out the 2005 portion of its schedule at OPSU on Friday, Dec. 30 at 4 p.m. MST.