Commerce, Texas— The Lions 69-59 win over Eastern New Mexico confirms the Lions first winning season since the 2008-2009 season.

TEAM LEADERS
A&M-Commerce
Points: Artaejah Gay, 15
Rebounds: Audrisa Harrison, 10
Assists: Two players with four assists each
Steals: Gabby Scott, 3
Blocks: Brittany Adams, 2

Eastern New Mexico
Points: Mikaehla Connor, 18
Rebounds: Kassandra Harris, 9
Assists: Jasmine Hotchkins, 2
Steals: Jasmine Hotchkins, 2
Blocks: Mikaehla Connor, 2
 
1st Half
The Lions start the game strong with a 9-0 run until a two pointer by Stinett puts the Greyhounds on the board for the first time. The Lions intensity continued to thrive as the Lions ended the quarter shooting 4-of-4 from the field and a 23-8 lead.
 
Gabby Scott got things started in the second quarter for the Lions with a three-ball, and knocked down another trey two minutes later to put the Lions up 33-14. The Lions continued to push the issue by going on a 6-0 run to extend their lead 39-18, and played lockdown defense as the Greyhounds shot 0-of-7 from the floor during that run. A&M-Commerce ended the first half with a 42-25 lead, shooting 45.5 percent (15-of-33) from the floor, 42.9 percent (3-of-7) from beyond the arc, and 64.3 percent (9-of-14) from the free throw line. Eastern New Mexico struggled to find their groove in the first couple of frames and shot 9-of-28 (32.1%) from the floor, 1-of-7 (14.3%) from the three-point line, and 6-of-15 (40%) from the stripe.
 
Scott led in scoring for the Lions with ten points two assists, and two steals. Audrisa Harrison, Shomari Harris, and Princess Davis each had six points in the first half. Kassandra Harris had eight points at the half for Eastern New Mexico, while Mikaehla Connor added six points.
 
2nd Half
Although outscored 19-18 in the third quarter, the Lions kept their foot on the pedal defensively forcing four turnovers early in the quarter to set the tone. The Lions expanded their lead to 24 in the third quarter, however the Greyhounds slowly chipped away at the lead, ending the quarter down 60-44.
 
The Lions struggled to find a basket in the third quarter as their 16-point lead entering the fourth quarter shrunk to as little as six points. The Lions first points of the quarter came with 2:58 left on the clock by Artaejah Gay who scored again on the next possession and completed the number of made field goals by the Lions in the final frame.
 
The Lions shot 39 percent from the floor, while Eastern New Mexico shot 32 percent. Despite their effort to come back, the Greyhounds shot 3-of-20 from beyond the arc and shot 50 percent from the stripe while the Lions shot just over 55 percent from the free throw line in the entire game.
 
 
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• The Lions win snaps their two-game skid and solidifies the Lions first winning season since 2008-09.
• A&M-Commerce outscored Eastern New Mexico 32-28 in the paint, 19-10 off of turnovers, and 10-8 in fast break points.
• Shomari Harris has scored in double figures in seven of her last eight games.
• Eastern New Mexico outscores the Lions 34-27 in the second half and 15-9 in the fourth quarter.
• Both teams had a total of 13 fouls in the first half.
• The Lions shot 50% from the free throw line.
• The Lions had 15 made field goals on11 assists in first half.

 
Burton's Corner
When asked about:
…having the first winning season since 2008-09…
"It is really good to do this but I have to give a shout out to my coaching staff. We have came in and worked hard to accomplish this goal. Hats off to them because it is not just me."
…the teams performance…
"Tonight was a tough game to coach. It was unclear on how the game was going to be called. But everyone contributed and was really engaged tonight. Eastern New Mexico made their run like we knew they would, but we stayed poised and finished the job."
…Fill The Field House…   
"The crowd really helped us out tonight. Thanks to the College of Business for their support. It made a big difference."

GAME INFORMATION
Score: A&M-Commerce 69, Eastern New Mexico 59
Records: A&M-Commerce (15-12, 8-7 LSC), Eastern New Mexico (10-15, 5-10 LSC)
Series: A&M-Commerce are 27-33 against Eastern New Mexico
Location: The Field House, Commerce, Texas
Time of Game: 4 p.m.