Carrier and Mirabal Combine for 33 Points Against #13 Bronchos

PORTALES, N.M.—  Junior forward Max Carrier (Canyon Lake, Calif./Irvine Valley CC) and Stefan Mirabal (Jr., G, Albuquerque, N.M./Sandia HS) combined for 33 points, 11 rebounds and five assists, but the Eastern New Mexico University men’s basketball team (3-7) dropped a 103-85 decision in Lone Star Conference crossover action to 13th-ranked University of Central Oklahoma (11-2), Monday night at Greyhound Arena. The game marked the first time the Hounds gave up 100 points since January 7, of last season at UCO.

The Bronchos scored the first seven points as part of a 12-1 run, spanning the opening 1:55 of play. Central Oklahoma held a 56.8-28.1 edge in shooting percentage during the opening half, including a 60-23.1 percent edge from outside the three-point arc. The advantage helped the Bronchos build a 53-32 halftime lead.

The Greyhounds outscored UCO by a 53-50 margin, registering their most points in a half this season. The Bronchos took their largest lead of the game, 62-35, on a Dauntae Williams jumper with 17:07 left. After the teams exchanged baskets over the next 4:31, UCO held a 72-46 lead, but a three-pointer from Tralyn Harden (Jr., G, Itasca, Texas/Itasca HS/McLennan CC) started an 11-2 ENMU run over the ensuing 1:36, pulling the Hounds to within 17 points, 74-57, with 10:19 remaining. Eastern managed to pull within 17 points on one more occasion, on a Carrier free throw with 5:03 left, but could come no closer and Central Oklahoma pulled away for the win.

Each team finished with 35 rebounds, although the Hounds converted a 16-10 advantage on the offensive boards into a 15-10 edge in second-chance points. The Bronchos held a 27-6 advantage in fast break points. Carrier finished with 18 points, nine caroms and three assists, while Mirabal had 15 points. Harden added 12 points, while Aaron Edwards (Jr., F, Long Beach, Calif./Gardena HS/San Bernardino Valley College) chipped in 14 points and eight rebounds. Williams paced UCO with 33 points, seven assists, eight rebounds and three steals, while Tyler Phillips finished with 24 points and three assists.

The Eastern New Mexico University men’s basketball team will return to action on Thursday, January 6, when they visit East Central. The LSC crossover contest is scheduled to tipoff at 7 p.m. MST.