No. 13 Commerce makes quick work of Zias

PORTALES — The Zias were in Saturday’s game against Texas A&M-Commerce for all of the first 10 minutes of the first half, then the Lions took control with experience and athleticism for a 75-54 victory in a Lone Star Conference crossovert game at Greyhound Arena.

Commerce (5-2), ranked 13th in NCAA Division II, had four players in double figures. Forward Katedria Mosley and guard Melissa Bratton netted 15 points apiece, while Nola Taylor scored 13 points and Brittany Williams added 12.

“I think it was just a bunch of great, experienced athletes against a bunch of young kids,” second-year Zias coach Linden Weese said. “We’re just not as strong as they are, we’re not as physical and definitely not as experienced. Those things all factored into it today.”

“They’re just so strong and physical at all spots,” Weese said. “They’re guard is such a strong and physical kid. That’s one of the best guards in the country. She just overpowered our guards today.”

ENMU freshman forward Cat Clay posted a double-double with 11 points and 15 rebounds, both team highs. The Zias’ top three scorers were freshmen, as Patricia Malouff added nine and Samantha Matta six.

“Linden’s kids fought hard,” Commerce coach Denny Downing said. “Those freshmen will battle you. It’s got to be exciting for him to coach those kids because he’s getting a lot out of them. It wasn’t a walk in the park for us.”

The Lions shot over 45 percent from the field, compared to 31 percent shooting from the Zias. The Zias also turned the ball over 30 times, leading to 32 Commerce points.

“They’re just so strong and physical at all spots,” Weese said. “They’re guard is such a strong and physical kid. That’s one of the best guards in the country. She just overpowered our guards today.”

ENMU out-rebounded the Lions 49-39, including 16 offensive boards. Freshman guard Tori Northcutt added 13 rebounds for the Zias.

“We knew coming in that we had to do two things — rebound and not turn it over,” Weese said. “I thought we rebounded very well against them, but you just can’t turn it over against a team like that and give them more opportunities.”

The Zias grabbed a 7-4 lead early after Megan Kabrick and Samantha Matta hit jumpers and Clay connected for a three-pointer.

Commerce then went on an 11-2 run to take a six-point advantage advantage and never looked back

Commerce led 44-18 late in the half before the Zias went on a 13-5 surge that carried into the second stanza. But the Lions scored scored eight straight points to end any comeback hopes.

“The longer we went, the more we figured some things out,” Weese said. “We understand now how physical it’s going to be in league play, and that’s the first time most of those kids have seen that. They’re the most physical team we’ve played by far.”

The Zias, who don’t play at home again until Jan. 3, have crossover road games on tap next week at Northeastern State and Central Oklahoma.