Late run breaks Eastern

PORTALES — Junior guard Jermart Miller exploded for five 3-pointers in a two-minute span late in the second half Thursday to lift Texas A&M-Commerce to a hard-fought 97-90 Lone Star Conference South Division men’s victory over Eastern New Mexico University at Greyhound Arena.

Ranked 13th in NCAA Division II, the Lions (14-3, 1-1 South) had their hands full all night with the shorthanded Greyhounds (7-9, 0-1), who were without the services of three injured regulars and had just nine bodies available, including three walk-ons.

Miller’s barrage helped Commerce cut an 11-point deficit to 87-86 with 3:16 left. Miller, who finished with a game-high 29 points, tied the score at 88 with a 15-footer before the Lions took the lead for good on a driving shot by Allen Walker with a minute left.

Commerce went 5 of 6 from the free throw line in the remaining time, including 3 of 4 by 6-foot-10 junior Nick Goellner — who was 6 of 18 for the season to that point.

Senior forward Jamaal Hunnicutt led five Greyhound starters in double figures with 20 points for the Hounds, who surpassed their previous season scoring high of 83 points.

ENMU coach Shawn Scanlan felt his team played well most of the night but pointed to turnovers on three consecutive possessions during Miller’s late run as the difference in the game.

“The turnovers jumped up and got us at the worst possible time,” Scanlan said. “We played well in the first half and for a lot of the second half, but those turnovers really hurt us.”

Commerce had to work hard to keep up with ENMU most of the night. The Lions shot 56 percent from the field, turned the ball over just 13 times and made 15 of 17 free throws — both misses by Goeller.

They also hit 12 of 24 from 3-point range, including 6 of 8 for the 5-8 Miller.

“He had a big-time game; he’s a big-time player,” Scanlan said. “(But) it’s tough (to win) when a kid is averaging 15.8 (points) and gets 29 on you.”

ENMU moved in front 32-28 lead with 6:39 left in the half after a 9-0 run capped by junior guard Reggie Wallace’s 3-pointer. The Hounds were up 50-43 at halftime and stayed in control until the Miller-led surge by Commerce.

“I thought their guys played harder than we did,” Lions coach Sam Walker said. “I’m very impressed with what Shawn has done with his kids. (Miller) just got on a roll, and that changed the game.”

Jamal Washington (broken hand), Irshaun Pinckney (ankle) and Daniel Sherman (back) all watched from the bench in street clothes. Scanlan said he isn’t sure when any of them will be able to return.

“This is definitely a game we can build on,” he said. “We’ve got to be able to play a 40-minute game, but I couldn’t be prouder of the way we played for 34.”

Junior Jason Breland, who fouled out in the closing seconds, finished with 19 points for ENMU while Wallace added 18 points and eight assists.

“Reggie played as well as he has all year long,” Scanlan said.

Senior guard Matt Rager added 18 points for the Lions.

Junior forward Chris Fantroy scored 14, and Walker added 10.