Zias Mount Second-Half Comeback,
Lose in Final Minute to ACU, 76-73
Brown Leads all Scorers with 17 Points

Box Score

PORTALES, N.M. — The Eastern New Mexico University Zias mounted an incredible second-half comeback, but could not hold on in the final minute, before losing to Abilene Christian University, 76-73, in a Lone Star Conference game on Thursday, Feb. 3. The Zias dropped to 9-11 overall, 3-4 in the LSC South, while the Wildcats improved to 14-5 overall, 5-1 in the LSC South.

In a tightly officiated game, where a combined 57 fouls were called against the two teams, the Zias’ Heather Brown (So., G, Hereford, TX/Hereford HS) led all scorers with 17 points. Brown also recorded five assists, five rebounds, and four steals. Mika Robertson (So., G, Hereford, TX/Hereford HS) was able to hit 4 of 8 three pointers for a total of 13 points. Tia Doss (Jr., F, Albuquerque, NM/Highland HS) scored 12 points, hitting 8 of 10 free throws, and grabbed five rebounds before fouling out with 5:09 to play in the game.

In the first half, the Zias shot just 23.5% from the field, while ACU connected on 51.9% of its shots. Eastern was down 13-0, but finally scored its first basket on a layup by Doss 4:17 into the game. With 7:41 left in the first half, ACU took its biggest lead, 32-10. The Wildcats brought a 19-point lead into the locker room, led by Meredith Doyle with 10 points.

The Zias came onto the floor in the second half looking like a completely differnt team. In the first 6:24, they outscored Abilene Christian 15-3, getting the lead down to only seven points, 46-39. During the run, Tiana Bryant (Jr., P, Roswell, NM/University of New Mexico) scored two baskets and grabbed two rebounds, while Erika Cook (Fr., G, Portales, NM/Portales HS) added some tough defense with two steals and a breakaway basket.

Bryant and Cook each scored eight points during the game, Cook added four rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Her play continues to improve with each game in her first season with the Zias.

Down 57-48 with 8:10 remaining in the game, the Zias went on a 12-3 streak in a 3:28 span to tie the game at 60-60 with 4:42 left. Roberston hit two three pointers and Doss sank four free throws during the streak. After overcoming a 19-point halftime deficit, the Zias took their first lead of the game, 68-66, with 2:07 remaining.

The Wildcats recaptured the lead after a three-pointer by Kierstan Barbee (15 points), giving them a 69-68 lead with 1:46 left on the clock. Eastern answered with a jump shot by Brown with 1:15 remaining for a one point lead. ACU countered with a layup and foul shot by Jamie Boles (15 points) with 56 seconds left, to put the Wildcats up for good, 72-70.

Eastern still had a chance to win, but Barbee hit all four of her free throw attempts the rest of the way. She made two charity shots with 26 seconds to go, but Brown pulled ENMU within 74-72 on a layup at the 14-second mark. Barbee added two more free throws with nine seconds left to clinch the win.

The Zias will remain in Portales for a matchup against Angelo State University on Saturday, Feb. 5. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m. MST at Greyhound Arena.