ENMU Holds 14-Point Lead in First Half, but UCO Battles Back for 84-69 Win
Bronchos Limit Zias to 27% Shooting in Second Half

Box Score

EDMOND, OKLA. — Eastern New Mexico University led by as many as 14 points in the first half, but the University of Central Oklahoma rallied for a 38-37 halftime lead, on its way to an 84-69 victory over ENMU, in a Lone Star Conference crossover game on Saturday, Jan. 7. The Zias, who connected on 7 of 14 three-pointers in the first half, hit just 2 of 10 long-range shots in the second half, as Eastern fell to 6-7 with its sixth consecutive loss. Central Oklahoma, which ended it own six-game losing streak, moved to 3-10 on the season.

The Zias were led by senior post Tiana Bryant (Roswell, NM/University of New Mexico), who scored 21 points, grabbed nine rebounds and blocked three shots. Bryant has registered 20 or more points six times this season. UCO was paced by Meghan Craig, with 20 points, five assists and seven rebounds, and by Amber Robertson, who led all players with 10 rebounds.

ENMU shot just 27.0% from the field (10 of 37) in the second half, while the Bronchos were successful on 46.4% of their second-half attempts (13 of 28). UCO sank 5 of 13 three-pointers and converted 15 of 19 free throws over the final 20 minutes.

For the game, UCO was 25 of 31 (80.6%) at the line, while ENMU made 16 of 22 charity shots (72.7%). The Bronchos protected the ball throughout the game, committing just eight total turnovers, including only two in the second half. Eastern had 13 turnovers and was called for 25 personal fouls.

Central Oklahoma led 8-5 at the 16:19 mark of the first half, but the Zias scored the next 14 points for a 19-8 advantage. Bryant opened the run with a 3-point basket, which was followed by 3-pointers from Erika Cook (So., G, Portales, NM/Portales HS) and Heather Brown (Jr., G, Hereford, TX/Hereford HS). Ashley Sutton (Jr., G, Italy, TX/Tyler JC) continued the 3-point onslaught, and Brown completed the rally with two free throws at the 12:51 mark.

The Zias used two more 3-point baskets — by Sutton and Bryant — to help extend the lead to 14 points, 27-15, with 10:07 left in the opening period. UCO countered with four consecutive points. After Brown hit yet another 3-pointer for ENMU, the Bronchos went on a 10-0 run to pull within 32-29 with 5:19 on the clock.

UCO eventually tied the game at 37-37 with 1:57 left in the half on a pair of free throws by Cassidy Pillow. The Bronchos took a one-point lead into the intermission when Pillow converted 1 of 2 free throws with 22 seconds remaining.

Eastern scored the first basket of the second half, and the game was tied two times in the first four minutes of the stanza. Central Oklahoma tallied five straight points for a 48-43 edge, but the Zias tied the game at 50-50 when Cook nailed a 3-pointer with 11:20 to go.

The next seven points went to UCO, as the Bronchos started a 14-4 run. Eastern cut the lead to eight points, 64-56, on two free throws by Sutton at the 7:18 mark, but the Bronchos outscored the Zias 20-13 the rest of the way.

Bryant was joined in double figures by Brown, who scored 12 points, and by Sutton, who contributed 10 points. Sutton also grabbed a season-high eight rebounds, adding four boards to her previous best. Cook scored nine points, while Missy Kirkland (Jr., G, Arlington, TX/Hill College) provided six points and six rebounds. ENMU achieved a 44-41 rebounding lead.

Craig was one of three players in double figures for UCO. Her 20-point effort was nearly matched by Lindsey Wilson, who scored 18 points and hauled down nine rebounds. Wilson also earned three assists and two steals. Mallory Markus added 11 points, and Jennifer Bullis recorded nine points and four assists.

ENMU, which has played five consecutive road games, will return to Greyhound Arena on Thursday, Jan. 12, for an LSC crossover game against East Central University. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m. MST. The Zias will remain at home on Saturday, Jan. 14, to take on Southeastern Oklahoma State University in another LSC crossover contest at 5 p.m. MST. Eastern is 2-1 at home, but the Zias have played 10 of 13 games on the road.