Zias' comeback try falls short

DURANT, Okla. — Guards Staci Wilson and Lauren Martin combined for 38 points, hitting 11 of 14 from 3-point range, and struggling Southeastern Oklahoma recovered after blowing a 23-point lead early in the second half to beat Eastern New Mexico University 81-71 in overtime Thursday in a Lone Star Conference women’s crossover matchup.

The Lady Savages (2-12), shooting 28 percent from the 3-point line for the season, hit 11of 21 from long range against the Zias (5-8), who lost their fifth game in a row.

ENMU trailed 40-17 with less than 19 minutes left before getting back in the hunt with a 16-0 run.

Southeastern, with only one player averaging in double figures in scoring for the season, put five in twin digits in this one. Willis, averaging just over six points, was 7 of 8 from 3-point range for 21 points while Martin added 4 of 6 from beyond the arc and finished with 17 points.

The Zias got 18 points and six rebounds from junior Tia Doss, who was 7 of 10 from the field. Junior Heather Brown added 16 points, seven assists and six rebounds and junior Tiana Bryant scored 10 points.

ENMU’s led only 2-0 and 4-2 until just over a minute remained in regulation, when Brown’s 3-pointer gave the Zias a 63-61 lead. The Lady Savages got one free throw each from Mindi Foster and Martin in the final minute to force OT.

Brown’s 3-pointer gave the Zias their biggest lead of the night on the first possession of overtime, but Southeastern made 9-of-10 free throws in the period and erased a 68-65 deficit with 12 consecutive points to put the game out of reach.