Saturday, February 06, 2010

Jefferson records double double

PORTALES, N.M. - Tyler Jefferson (Jr., F, Fort Worth, Texas/Tyler JC) and Tralyn Harden (So., G, Itasca, Texas/McClennan CC) each scored 12 points, but the Eastern New Mexico University men's basketball team (8-13; LSC South 3-4) dropped a 67-49 decision in Lone Star Conference South Division action at West Texas A&M (12-10; LSC South), Saturday night at the First United Bank Center. The game concluded LSC Rivalry Week as the teams split a pair of game to remain tied for fourth place in the LSC South.

The Buffaloes raced to a 16-3 lead over the first 8:59 of the first half, with Equs Darby (Sr., F, Lake City, S.C./Feather River College) connecting for Eastern's first field goal, when he hit a layup with 9:39 left in the opening period to pull Eastern to within 16-5. West Texas A&M led by as many as 15 points in the opening half and took a 32-18 edge into the locker room.

Neither team could sustain momentum through much of the second half, but with the Buffaloes holding a 40-25 lead with 15:10 remaining, Jimmie Marshall (Sr., G, Milwaukee, Wis./Iowa Lakes CC) hit a pair of free throws followed by Jefferson's rebound and tip-in to ignite an 11-1 ENMU run spanning 3:48, capped by a pair of Jefferson free throws. With the surge, the Hounds pulled to within sox points, 41-35, with 11 minutes left.

After a Nick Burns trey extended the Buffalo's lead to nine, Harden connected on a three-point basket and was fouled, sending him to the free throw line to complete the four point play and pull Eastern to within five points, 44-29, with 9:15 left on the clock. Eastern managed to pull within five one more time, on a pair of Victor Reid (Jr., F, El Paso, Texas/Cochise CC) free throws, but West Texas A&M used a 17-6 run capped by two Jaquiese Holcombe free throws to seize a 63-47 with just 1:45 left and held on for the win.

The Hounds were limited to a season-low 21.7 shooting percentage from the floor, while WT converted on 42.6 percent of their shots from the floor. Eastern held an 18-13 advantage on the offensive boards, which translated to a 17-9 Greyhound edge in second chance points. Jefferson recorded his fourth double-double of the season with 12 points and 11 rebounds. The performance marked the first time an ENMU player has registered a double double on the road this season. Darby and Reggie Nelson (Jr., G, Tyler, Texas/Tyler JC) had eight points apiece. LaDarius Hall led the Buffaloes with 13 points.

The Eastern New Mexico University men's basketball team will return to Greyhound Arena on Wednesday for another Lone Star Conference South Division game against Tarleton State. Tip off is scheduled for 8 p.m. MST.