Eastern New Mexico University secured a 73-53 victory over New Mexico Highlands in Portales, N.M., on Saturday. The win was highlighted by six players scoring in double figures for Eastern New Mexico.
Senior guard Cooper Jackson commented after the game, "I thought we played hard. Everybody. Everyone supports one another. We are just a big family."
The team shot 50% from the field, making 24 of 48 attempts, and improved their performance in the second half with a 60% shooting rate. Jose Murillo led the offense with 18 points despite playing only 20 minutes due to foul trouble and made all four of his free throws.
Austin Abrams, Cooper Jackson, and Mika Tangermann each contributed 11 points, while Mo Austin and Treyvon Byrd added 10 points apiece. Defensively, Abrams, Jackson, Austin, and Byrd each recorded two steals as Eastern New Mexico outscored New Mexico Highlands in the paint by a margin of 32-22.
Head coach Daven Võ praised Jackson’s performance: "His defense and energy was tremendous." Jackson finished with four assists and three rebounds and took what Võ described as smarter shots compared to the previous game.
The team also saw improvement at the free throw line. "These guys came in and shot the ball well from the free throw line," said Võ. Eastern New Mexico converted 18 of their 20 free throw attempts; Jackson went five-for-six.
Four different players—Tangermann, Abrams, Murillo, and Derrick Daniels Jr.—recorded blocks during the game. Freshman Tangermann played significant minutes off the bench due to Murillo's foul trouble, scoring efficiently on four-of-five shooting including two three-pointers.
New Mexico Highlands committed 17 turnovers during the contest and had three players reach double-digit points.
Eastern New Mexico’s next game is scheduled for Tuesday, November 18 at noon with free admission for attendees.
