Scarlett red hot as Zias win

AUSTIN, Texas — Senior post Loren Scarlett delivered a season-best 16 points off the bench, including 4-of-6 from 3-point range, and the Eastern New Mexico University women’s basketball team edged St. Edward’s 64-60 on Thursday night.

Junior forward Tia Doss added 13 points and senior post Tiana Bryant 12 for the Zias (5-3), who extended their winning streak to three games.

Junior forward Jennifer Knight scored 21 points and grabbed seven rebounds for the Hilltoppers (2-8), while junior guard Leah Foster added 11 points and 10 rebounds. Junior center Sara Baca chipped in 10 points despite a 2-for-14 night from the field.

The game was close virtually all the way. ENMU maintained the lead for the most part, but saw its biggest advantage (23-15) erased by a 10-0 St. Edward’s run and the teams were tied 25-25 at the break.

The Hilltoppers took a pair of three-point leads on 3-pointers by Baca and senior Tina Ybarra early in the second half, but Scarlett’s jump shot and 3-pointer capped a 7-0 run that put the Zias back in front.

Eastern took the lead for good 55-53 on Doss’ basket with three minutes left. Two free throws each by sophomore Heather Brown and senior Mika Robertson in the final minute secured the victory.

The Zias shot 52 percent from the field for the game, including 58 percent (14-of-24) in the second half when they went 5-for-10 from 3-point range. Scarlett collected three 3-pointers and 11 points in the second half.

Brown and Robertson each had six of ENMU’s 15 assists, and Robertson grabbed a team-leading eight rebounds. But the Hilltoppers, despite 33 percent field goal shooting, kept the game close by forcing 24 ENMU turnovers.

With Thursday’s loss, Heartland Conference member St. Edward’s has gone 2-3 in five games this season against Lone Star Conference South Division squads.