Mustangs get past Hounds

PORTALES — Guard Nolan Richardson IV scored 17 points, grabbed six rebounds and handed out nine assists Saturay night to lead Midwestern State to a 75-56 Lone Star Conference South Division men’s basketball victory over Eastern New Mexico University at Greyhound Arena.

The Mustangs (13-13, 5-7 South) dominated the first half and cruised from there. With the win, they avoided their first losing season in 10 years and relegated the Greyhounds (6-21, 0-12) to their first winless season in division play since 2000.

Guard Jeremy Ford added four 3-pointers and 14 points while guard Chris Davis scored 10 for Midwestern State.

Senior guard Justin Redman-Trotter led the depleted Hounds wiith 30 points while junior guard Marquis Ruffin added 19, accounting for all but eight of ENMU’s total.

The Hounds built and early 5-2 lead on a 3-pointer by Ruffin with 16:06 left in the opening half, but Midwestern quickly took control. Ford hit a 3-pointer to tie it and two free throws by Earl Rabb with 15:13 to go gave the Mustangs the lead for good.

Richardson’s 3-pointer touched off a 7-0 run, also including baskets by Richardson and Davis, to put the Mustangs in front 24-10 midway through the half. ENMU got back within 10, but went scoreless in the final three minutes as the Mustangs carried a 33-21 lead into the break.

The Hounds stayed within the 8-12 point range for much of the second half, getting within seven three times. The Mustangs scored the game’s final seven points in the last 1:30 for their biggest margin of the second half.