Hounds Close Exhibition Season at Defending WAC Champion, N.M. State

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Senior forward Tyler Jefferson (Fort Worth, Texas/North Crowley HS/Tyler JC) staked the Eastern New Mexico University men’s basketball team to a three-point lead early in their exhibition finale at New Mexico State, but the Aggies took control and pulled away for a 98-72 win, Monday night at the Pan American Center.

The Aggies enter the 2010-11 season as the defending Western Athletic Conference tournament champions and return much of last season’s roster.

The teams traded baskets over the opening 2:58 of play, with Eastern taking their final lead, 7-6, on a Jefferson basket. After an exchange of jumpers, another Jefferson bucket extended the Hounds’ lead to 11-8, with 16:48 left in the opening half, but NMSU exploded on a 14-3 lead over the ensuing 8:35 to seize a 22-14 lead. From that point, the Aggies continued to pull away for the win.

New Mexico State held a 61.2-37.5 percent edge in shots from the floor, but Eastern finished with a 38.5-35.7 percent advantage in shots taken from behind the three-point line. The Greyhounds hit 10 three-point baskets and converted on 14-of-20 (70%) shots from the free throw line. Eastern also converted 29 Aggie turnovers into 25 points, while allowing just 14 points on their own 17 miscues.

 Aaron Edwards’ (Jr., F, Long Beach, Calif./Gardena HS/San Bernardino Valley) turned in another strong performance for the Greyhounds, pouring in a team-best 22 points, along with six rebounds, two assists and two steals. Jefferson finished with 14 points and six boards, while Tralyn Harden (Jr., G, Itasca, Texas / Itasca High School/McLennan Community College) added 11 points on a three-for-four performance from the three-point line. Stefan Mirabal (Jr., G, Albuquerque, N.M./Sandia HS) and Michael Maya (Fr., G, Chandler, Ariz./Valley HS) combined for 15 points and nine assists. Troy Gillenwater paced the Aggies with 18 points.

The Eastern New Mexico University men’s basketball team will open their 2010-11 regular season at Greyhound Arena on Friday against Northern New Mexico. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST.