Hounds Edge Chaparrals, 75-72

Portales, N.M. - The Eastern New Mexico University men’s basketball (3-2) team defeated Lubbock Christian University (5-1) 75-72 Saturday afternoon at Greyhound Arena. The Hounds secured the lead for good with a fast break from Stefan Mirabal (Jr., Albuquerque, N.M. / Sandia H.S.) to give the Hounds a 68-67 lead with 3:18 remaining.

The Chaps started the game strong with a 5-3 lead, but a three pointer from Jordan Romero (Fr., Santa Fe, N.M. / St. Michael's H.S.) started an ENMU 15-2 run giving Eastern an 18-8 lead. LCU answered right back with a 13-6 run but the Hounds retained the lead until Anthony Brancato hit a three pointer for the short-lived 36-34 lead. Mirabal’s three pointer gained the lead back for the Greyhounds.

At the half, the Hounds led the Chaps 41-38 and were led by Jordan Romero with eight points including five rebounds and three assists.

Starting the second half, ENMU kept their position but the Chaps’ second wind pushed them into the lead, 67-66, from a three pointer from Clay Roberts with five minutes remaining. Mirabal’s layup was the go-ahead score as the Hounds never trailed again.

The Greyhounds were led by Stefan Mirabal who went 7-15 from inside the paint, 4-8 from outside the arc, and notched 18 points. Tyler Jefferson’s (Sr., Fort Worth, Texas / North Crowley H.S./Tyler J.C.) helped out going 5-11 with 13 points and secured the lead with his free throws. Jordan Romero and Kyle Lantz (Fr., Albuquerque, N.M. / Manzano H.S.) assisted the Greyhounds with six and five apiece.

The Hounds take on Southwestern Oklahoma State University Thursday night. Tip off is scheduled for 8 p.m.