Smith Hits 8 of 13 Three-Pointers, as ASU Defeats
ENMU for Second Time in Eight Days, 94-81
Hunnicutt and Montoya Score 21 Points each for ENMU

Box Score

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS — Angelo State University sank 11 of 24 three-pointers, led by Kenny Smith’s 8 of 13 on long-range shots, as the Rams defeated Eastern New Mexico University for the second time in eight days, 94-81, Feb. 12 at the Junell Center. The LSC South win improved ASU to 11-13, including 4-5 in the conference. Eastern’s record fell to 9-14, 2-6 in the LSC South.

In the first meeting between ASU and ENMU, held on Feb. 5 at Greyhound Arena, the Rams hit 12 of 26 three-pointers on their way to an 80-76 win. Smith was 6 of 9 on three-pointers that night. For the two games, Angelo State was successful on 23 of 50 three point shots (46.0%), while ENMU made just 8 of 31 three-point attempts (25.8%).

Senior forward Jamaal Hunnicutt (Amarillo, TX/Hill JC) scored 21 points and brought down 12 rebounds for the Greyhounds in the rematch at Angelo State. Jolen Montoya (Jr., G, Cordova, NM/Neosho County CC) also scored 21 points, while earning four rebounds, four assists and three steals.

Hunnicutt increased his career scoring total to 1,217 points. He is currently tied with Dan Hays (1965-68) for 12th place on Eastern’s all-time scoring list. He has scored 19 or more points in nine consecutive games.

Angelo State scored the first five points and held a 10-4 advantage just over five and a half minutes into the opening period. The Rams led 11-8 at the 13:29 mark, before going on a 16-1 run to increase the lead to 27-9 with 10:09 on the clock. ASU’s offensive surge featured four 3-pointers, three by Smith.

The Rams’ successful start reached 33-13 following a jumper by Dustin Patton with 8:03 remaining in the half. Eastern countered with six unanswered points to start an 11-3 run, as the lead was reduced to 36-24. Hunnicutt provided seven points during the run, on his way to 13 points at the half. ASU ended the first period with a 47-30 lead.

Eastern trailed by 17 to 22 points for most of the second half, but pulled within 55-41 on a 3-pointer by Montoya with 16:57 to go. ENMU eventually cut the lead to 81-70, after Montoya sank a jumper with 4:40 left. ASU earned the next four points, including Smith’s last 3-pointer, to take an 85-70 lead. Smith ended the game as the Rams’ all-time leader in 3-point baskets with 144 during his career.

Eastern moved within nine points three times in the final three minutes, including 90-81 following two free throws by Montoya with 1:12 remaining. ENMU never got closer, as the Rams closed out the win.

Smith led all players with 29 points, while Jordan Walker added 17 points and 10 rebounds for ASU. Walker was 7 of 10 on field goals and also contributed two assists, two blocked shots and one steal. Other players in double figures for Angelo state were Rashawn Childs, with 16 points and Patton, with 11 points. Jermel Brooks supplied ASU with nine assists, six points and six boards.

The Rams cashed in on 30 of 61 field goal attempts (49.2%) and made 23 of 36 free throws (63.9%). Angelo State committed 15 turnovers and forced 18 turnovers by ENMU. The Greyhounds won the battle on the glass, as Eastern hauled down 48 rebounds, while ASU was credited with 38.

Hunnicutt and Montoya topped the Hounds with their respective 21-point efforts. Irshaun Pinckney (Sr., G, Clovis, NM/Clovis HS) tacked on 13 points, to go with six boards and two assists. Reggie Wallace (Jr., G, Pasadena, CA/Mt. San Antonio College) chipped in 11 points, while earning five assists and four rebounds. Edmound Elzy (Sr., F, Victorville, CA/Barstow CC) tallied eight points and eight rebounds for the Hounds.

ENMU will end its four-game road trip with Lone Star Conference games at Texas A&M- University-Commerce on Thursday, Feb. 17, and at Midwestern State University, on Saturday, Feb. 19. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST both nights.

After playing at MSU, the Greyhounds will return home to host arch rival West Texas A&M University on Monday, Feb. 21. It will be “Pack the House” night at Greyhound Arena, with the game slated to get underway at 7 p.m. MST.