Hounds notch fourth consecutive win

Freedom New Mexico

DURANGO, Colo. — Senior Aaron Edwards’ 3-pointer in the first minute gave Eastern New Mexico University’s men the lead for good, and the Greyhounds pulled away to a 91-71 win over winless Northern New Mexico on Saturday in the George B. Boedecker Classic, hosted by Fort Lewis.

The Greyhounds (4-1), winners of four in a row, had a bit of trouble pulling away early from the NAIA Eagles (0-12), but eventually opened a 54-38 halftime lead behind 55 percent floor shooting in the opening half.

ENMU’s next outing will be Wednesday against New Mexico Highlands in a game just added to the schedule. The teams will meet on a neutral floor at Santa Rosa High School.

Edwards finished with a season-best 20 points to go with nine rebounds, while senior forward Curtis Wilkinson added a double-double with 13 point and 10 rebounds. Forward Max Carrier and guard Stefan Mirabal each added 15 points.

The Eagles got 18 points from senior forward Demetrio Wade and 12 from freshman guard Rodney Coles.

Edward’s 3-pointer gave ENMU a 3-2 lead. The Hounds were up 15-6 before Northern New Mexico closed to 21-20 and 23-22 midway though the half.

Wilkinson’s basket and another trey by Edwards began to give the Hounds some breathing room, and they finished the half on a 31-16 run.

The Hounds pushed the margin to 21 points three times early in the second half and were up 70-48 after two free throws by Daniel Strong with 13:24 to go. Their biggest lead was 24 (91-67) on two free throws by Edwards with 2:04 left.