Eastern New Mexico 74, CSU-Pueblo 70

DENVER, Colo. - CSU-Pueblo nearly turned an epic comeback Saturday vs. winless Eastern New Mexico at the Metro State Thanksgiving Classic, but unfortunately came up short as the ThunderWolves were stunned in a 74-70 loss.

CSU-Pueblo's shooting hovered near 20 percent for the bulk of the game as Eastern New Mexico shot near 50 percent and held a 32-26 lead at halftime.

CSU-Pueblo began the second half as cold as possible, beginning on the short end of a 25-6 run to open the half and trailed by a staggering 25 points, 57-32, seven minutes into the second half.

As Eastern New Mexico led by 19, 66-47 with seven minutes remaining in the game, CSU-Pueblo finally circled the wagons.  The Pack began hitting shots and getting chances on the glass, going on a 16-0 run to come within three, 66-63 with 2:56 remaining.

When Eastern New Mexico finally began hitting shots again, time simply ran out for the ThunderWolves.  The Pack found themselves down by six, 73-67, with 15 seconds remaining when Jennelle Branting (So., Littleton, Colo.) nailed a three to bring the Pack to within three, 73-70.  However, at that point, only five seconds remained on the clock, and a lone free throw by ENMU on the ensuing CSU-Pueblo foul iced the game. 

The ThunderWolves finished the game shooting just 34 percent from the field, and was 10-for-40 on three-point attempts, most makes and attempts from beyond the arc coming during their comeback attempt.  Eastern New Mexico, meanwhile, shot 46 percent from the field, nailed 11 threes on just 23 attempts and out-boarded the ThunderWolves 41-34.  ENMU saw all five of its starters score 10 points or more while the ThunderWolves were led by Rachel Espinoza (Jr., Pueblo, Colo.), who had 16 points.

With the loss, CSU-Pueblo falls to 2-2 on the young season and suffer their first loss at the Metro State Thanksgiving Classic in their four straight seasons at the event.  The ThunderWolves will open their conference season next weekend when they travel to Nebraska to take on Chadron State and Nebraska-Kearney.