Zias Overcome Slow Start to Defeat Midwestern State, 67-52
Brown Score 20 Points, Robertson Grabs nine Rebounds

Box Score

PORTALES, N.M. — Eastern New Mexico University hit just one of its first 11 shots from the field, but overcame the slow start for a 15-point win over Midwestern State University, 67-52, in a Lone Star Conference South Division game on Saturday, Jan. 22 at Greyhound Arena. The Zias improved 7-9 overall, 1-2 in the LSC South, while the Lady Indians fell to 6-11 on the season, 1-3 in conference play.

Heather Brown (So., G, Hereford, TX/Hereford HS) led all scorers with 20 points and hit 8 of 10 free throws. It was her season high in scoring, and was five points short of her career best (25), set against Midwestern State on Feb. 5, 2004.

The Zias took the lead for good, 25-23, with 3:31 left in the first half on two free throws by Tiana Bryant (Jr., Post, Roswell, NM/University of New Mexico). ENMU led 31-25 at the half, despite shooting a frigid 31.3% from the field (10 of 32). Midwestern State converted 44.4% of its field goals for the half (12 of 27), but ENMU went 9 of 10 at the free throw line, while MSU shot no free throws.

Less than two minutes out of the locker room, the Zias extended their lead with a 20-6 run in an 11 minute span, taking an 18-point insurmountable lead, 53-35. ENMU was hot from the field in the second half, shooting 52.3% (12-23). Meanwhile, MSU converted just 25.9% from the floor (7 of 27).

Mika Robertson (Sr., F, Levelland, TX/Midland College) and Bryant controlled the boards for Eastern, with nine rebounds apiece. Robertson grabbed five rebounds on offense, while Bryant hauled down seven on defense. The Zias claimed a 41-33 rebounding margin.

Brown was joined in double figures by Bryant, who tallied 14 points on 5 for 10 shooting from the field and 4 of 6 at the line. Riikka Lehtonen (Jr., Post, Turku, Finland/Kilgore College) added nine points and six rebounds.

The Zias forced the Lady Indians into 21 turnovers, with ENMU recording 11 steals. Erika Cook (Fr., G, Portales, NM/Portales HS) earned four steals, while Brown contributed three. ENMU committed 17 turnovers.

ENMU finished the game shooting 40.0% from the field (22 of 55) and made 20 of 29 free throws (69.0%). MSU shot 35.2% on the night (19 of 54) and converted 11 of 15 charity shots (73.3%). Both teams struggled from 3-point range, as ENMU sank 3 of 14 and Midwestern State made 3 of 19.

The Zias will play their third game in five days on Monday, Jan. 24 , when they travel to Canyon, Texas, to take on West Texas A&M University. Tip-off at the WTAMU Event Center is slated for 5 p.m. MST. The Lady Buffs edged the Zias, 61-58, on Jan. 10 at Greyhound Arena.