Abilene Christian Hits 36 of 45 Free Throws, as Wildcats Defeat Zias, 83-63
Bryant Extends Double-Digit Scoring Streak to 21 Games

Box Score

ABILENE, TEXAS — Senior post Tiana Bryant (Roswell, NM/University of New Mexico) scored 20 points to extend her double-digit scoring streak to 21 games, but it wasn’t enough for Eastern New Mexico University, as Abilene Christian University hit 36 of 45 free throws and held ENMU to 34.7% shooting to claim an 83-63 victory on Saturday, Jan. 21, in a Lone Star Conference game. ACU improved to 7-10 overall, 1-3 in the LSC South, while ENMU fell to 8-9, 0-3 in the LSC South.

ACU led 41-27 at halftime, and the Zias were unable to mount a serious threat in the second half. Eastern, which entered the game averaging 6.1 three-pointers per game, sank just 1 of 13 long-range shots (7.7%) against the Wildcats.

ENMU was called for 29 fouls, including 16 in the second half. The Wildcats, who converted 23 of 27 free throws (85.2%) over the final 20 minutes, saw their lead dwindle to nine points, 48-39, with 13:50 remaining, but countered with a 9-0 run to take control of the game for good.

Bryant, who did not start for the first time this season due to stomach trouble, hit 9 of 15 field goals on her way to 20 points in 24 minutes. She led all players with four steals and now has a team-high 43 steals on the season. She has scored in double figures in all 17 games this year, including eight games with 20 or more points. Bryant also reached double digits in the last four games a year ago.

Abilene Christian was led by Alex Guiton, who matched Bryant with 20 points. Guiton made just 4 of 11 field goals, but hit three 3-pointers and made 9 of 12 free throws. She also earned five rebounds.

ACU never trailed, but the score was tied four times early in the game. Heather Brown (Jr., G, Hereford, TX/Hereford HS) caused the final tie, 9-9, when she scored on a jumper for the Zias at the 13:32 mark. The Wildcats scored the next five points, starting with three free throws from Ashley King when she was fouled on a three-pointer. ENMU trailed by five points, 20-15, with 9:20 left in the half, but ACU went on a 17-2 run, capped by 14 unanswered points, to build a 20-point margin.

Guiton was joined in double figures by four other Wildcats. Kierstan Barbee tallied 14 points and led all players with 16 rebounds and six assists. Jamie Boles-Lord scored 11 points, as did Lacey Blau. Kristee Davidson contributed 10 points.

ACU shot 42.6% from the field (20 of 47) and made 7 of 21 three-pointers, including 6 of 12 in the first half. The Wildcats achieved a 47-33 rebounding advantage.

Eastern committed just 12 turnovers, while forcing 22 turnovers by the Wildcats. As a result, ENMU took 25 more shots than ACU, but the Zias couldn’t overcome poor shooting from the floor (25 of 72). Foul trouble also hurt Eastern, as Brittney Gillespie (Fr., Post, Aztec, NM/Aztec HS), Rosalyn Elliott (So., G, Stanley, NM/Lubbock Christian University) and Lindsey Wood (Fr., G, Muleshoe, TX/Muleshoe HS) all fouled out for the Zias.

Only two ENMU players reached double figures, with Bryant leading the way and Brown adding 10 points. Gillespie and Erika Cook (So., G, Portales, NM/Portales HS) tied for the team lead on the boards with six rebounds apiece.

The Zias were 12 of 16 at the free throw line, as Brown and Gillespie each went 4 for 4 at the charity stripe. Cook, who led the LSC in free throw shooting at 92.7% (38 of 41) prior to the game, went 0 for 3 at the line against ACU.

Eastern returns to Greyhound Arena in Portales, N.M., for five consecutive home games. The Zias open the homestand on Wednesday, Jan. 25 against Tarleton State University at 5:30 p.m. MST. Also playing the Zias during the homestand will be Midwestern State University (Jan. 28), Texas A&M University-Kingsville (Feb. 2), Texas Woman’s University (Feb. 4) and West Texas A&M University (Feb. 6).