Eastern New Mexico University will host a special kids day event at the Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena on Tuesday, as the men's basketball team faces Northern New Mexico. The event offers free entry and is expected to draw nearly 2,000 children from across the high plains region. Organizers encourage fans to arrive early for the noon tipoff, with interactive activities such as bingo planned during the game.
The Greyhounds enter the matchup after splitting their opening weekend games. They lost to Fort Lewis but secured a win against New Mexico Highlands, marking the fourth consecutive year they have started their season 1-1. In those games, Jose Murillo recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while sophomore Mo Austin contributed 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Austin Abrams made his first career start for Eastern New Mexico and scored 14 points.
Eastern New Mexico claimed its first victory of the season with a 73-53 win over New Mexico Highlands. The team shot 50 percent from the field and had six players score in double figures. Murillo led with 18 points on efficient shooting, while Cooper Jackson added 11 points, four assists, and two steals. Freshman Mika Tangermann also played an important role off the bench, scoring 11 points on four-of-five shooting as Murillo dealt with foul trouble.
Northern New Mexico enters Tuesday's contest with a 1-5 record under head coach Michael Dominguez, who previously coached at New Mexico Highlands. The Eagles are led by Harkirath Makhar, averaging over 22 points per game this season. Ja'Kwon Hill leads Northern New Mexico in assists following his transfer from NMHU.
So far this season, Eastern New Mexico is averaging 73 points per game on nearly 45 percent shooting from the field but has struggled from three-point range at just under 28 percent. The team maintains a positive rebounding margin (+2.5) and turnover margin (+5). Jose Murillo leads in several statistical categories including scoring (33), rebounds (15), field goal percentage (.813), and blocks (3). Mo Austin has recorded a team-high in assists (12), while Cooper Jackson leads in steals (6).
"One of the best games of the entire year is kids day," according to event organizers. "Entry is free for all and kids from all around the high plains will attend the game. Nearly 2000 are expected for the event. Fans are asked to show up early for the 12 p.m. tip inside Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena. Attendees will be given fun interactive activities like bingo during the game."
