Hounds whip Mustangs in exhibition

Quick starts haven't been in the cards so far for the Eastern New Mexico University men's basketball team.

Junior Rafael Love helped take care of that Monday night.

Love, a 6-foot-4 guard from Woodland Hills, Calif., scored 11 of the Greyhounds' first 17 points, helping key an early 12-0 run that sent ENMU to a 97-83 exhibition win over Hobbs-based University of the Southwest at Clovis High's Rock Staubus Gym.

With a rematch of a season-opening 76-68 loss at Texas A&M International coming up tonight at Greyhound Arena, ENMU coach Andrew Helton was glad to see his charges dominate early and allow the minutes to be spread evenly down the roster. No one had to play more than 23 minutes, while 11 players had at least 12 minutes.

"We were able to control the game pretty good," Helton said. "It was good to get some guys some minutes who are going to have to play for us."

Love finished with a game-high 20 points in 20 minutes, leading four Hounds in double figures. Forward Phil Henry added 15 points, including three dunks, while forwards Jordan Awoye and Lawrence Domingo added 12 and 10, respectively, off the bench.

The Hounds shot 58 percent in the first half and finished at 53 percent (36-of-68), with 11 players contributing points.

"We got in the flow of things (early)," said Love, a junior college transfer. "That's been a point of emphasis."

CMI correspondent: Joshua LuceroENMU junior Johari Templin attempts to block a shot from University of the Southwest's Josh Quintero in the first half of the Greyhounds game against the University of the Southwest Mustangs Monday night at the Rock

Love said he thinks the team will be all right for tonight's rematch with the Dustdevils.

"I've never done it before," he said of playing back-to-back. "It's definitely an adjustment, but we didn't play too many minutes tonight so I think we'll be OK.

CMI correspondent: Joshua LuceroENMU junior guard Rodney Blackmon passes around University of the Southwest's Kendall Rodriguez to teammate Phil Henry for two points during the first half of Monday's exhibition game a at Rock Staubus Gym. The Greyhounds beat the Mustangs 97-83.

"Our main thing is to not come out sluggish. We want to execute offensively — defensively we'll make plays, but offensively we have to step it up."

The Hounds opened a 13-point lead with their early run and never let it slip under double figures. Their biggest lead was 58-35 after two free throws by Love with 15:39 left.

CMI correspondent: Joshua Lucero0ENMU junior forward Phil Henry makes a layup during the second half of Monday's exhibition game against University of the Southwest at Rock Staubus Gym.

The Mustangs, limited to 34 percent shooting in the opening half, cranked up their defensive pressure in the second half and found the range for nine 3-pointers. But they were never able to make major inroads as the Hounds subbed freely.

"Give them credit," Helton said. "They made some tough shots in the second half."

Sophomore guard Tyrone Dobbins scored 17 points for USW, including four 3-pointers and 14 points in a span of four minutes in the second half. Freshman forward Kendall Rodriguez added 10 points.