Greyhounds Fall Behind by 18 Points at Start of 82-73 Loss to Abilene Christian
Wildcats Sink Seven 3-Pointers in Opening 8:27

Box Score

ABILENE, TEXAS — Abilene Christian University sank seven three-pointers in the first 8:27 of play, as the Wildcats jumped out to a 29-11 lead on their way to an 82-73 victory over Eastern New Mexico University, in a Lone Star Conference game on Saturday, Jan. 21, at Moody Coliseum. Eastern cut the margin to six points at halftime, but never got closer than five in the second half, as ACU improved to 8-11 overall and to 3-1 in the LSC South. Eastern, which entered the contest on a three-game winning streak, dropped to 7-10, 1-1 in the LSC South.

Demarcquez Rembert of Abilene Christian led all players with 33 points. He connected on a trio of three-pointers during the Wildcats’ early run, had 13 points at halftime and scored 20 points in the second half. Tristan Largent (Jr., G, Martinsburg, WV/Garrett College) was Eastern’s top scorer with 17 points, including a 7-for-7 performance at the free throw line.

ACU shot 52.7% overall (29 of 55) and netted 7 of 15 three-pointers in the first half. The Wildcats cooled off to 2 of 12 (16.7%) from three-point range in the second half, but converted 10 of 14 two-pointers in the final 20 minutes. Eastern made just 33.8% of its field goals during the game (22 of 65). After hitting 6 of 10 three-pointers in the first half, the Hounds sank only 3 of 12 three-pointers in the second half. ENMU was 20 of 25 at the free throw line.

The Wildcats connected on 7 of 9 three-point shots during their opening run, as they sank 11 of 15 field goals overall. Six of ACU’s first seven shots, including five three-pointers found the net. Eastern, which fell behind 17-5 just 3:45 into the game, made only three of its first 11 field goals, before Largent nailed a 3-pointer to cut ACU’s lead to 29-14.

After trailing by 18 points, the Greyhounds battled back to get within 39-33 at the 2:57 mark of the first half. Abilene Christian took a nine-point lead less than a minute later, as Norman Alexander went 3 for 4 at the line. Jolen Montoya (Sr., G, Cordova, NM/Neosho County CC) of ENMU scored the final points of the half on a 3-pointer with 1:29 left.

ACU tallied the first four points of the second half on layups by Mauro Matai and Rembert. The Hounds moved back within six points, 51-45, when Ira Cross (Jr., F, Munford, AL/Gadsden State CC) scored in the paint with 14:53 to go. ENMU inched one point closer on a free throw by Mikal Monette (Jr., F, Albuquerque, NM/University of New Mexico) with 12:57 left.

A three-pointer by Alexander increased Abilene Christian’s advantage to eight points, but ENMU moved within 54-48 when Monette scored inside with 10:49 on the clock. A 14-6 run by ACU gave the Wildcats a 68-54 lead at the 5:20 mark.

Joshua Jackson (Fr., G, Madison, WI/Madison West HS) hit a 3-pointer for ENMU with 2:45 to go, as the Hounds cut the lead to eight points, 70-62. The margin moved between eight and 10 points until Montoya sank a 3-pointer with 19 seconds left to get Eastern within 79-73. Tiago Souza of ACU converted two free throws with 13 seconds remaining to clinch the win.

Rembert’s 33 points included a 14-for-22 effort on field goals, including 4 of 9 on three-point attempts. Matai tacked on 10 points and led all players with 11 rebounds. Rembert chipped in 10 rebounds for the Wildcats. ACU outrebounded ENMU, 43-34.

Eastern placed five players in double figures. Largent was followed by Jackson, who tallied 13 points and was 8 for 8 at the line. Montoya contributed 12 points, while Monette and Stephen Wilson (Jr., G, Heflin, AL/Gadsden State CC) added 11 points apiece. Monette topped Eastern with seven rebounds. Largent and Wilson each grabbed five rebounds.

ENMU will play its next two games at home, starting with an LSC South contest against Tarleton State University on Wednesday, Jan. 25. Game time at Greyhound Arena is slated for 7:30 p.m. MST. Eastern will host Midwestern State University in another LSC South game on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. MST.