PORTALES, N.M. (Jan. 6, 2022) – In a basketball game dictated by defense, it was Eastern New Mexico that made three big plays on that end of the court in the final two minutes to steal a road win from Oklahoma Christian on Thursday night.

Eastern New Mexico blocked a shot, stripped a ball-handler driving to the basket for a layup attempt, then forced a well-guarded 3-pointer at the overtime buzzer that missed to escape Greyhound Arena with a 65-62 decision over the Eagles.

OC (4-9, 1-2 Lone Star Conference) led for much of the game (by as many as eight points), but the Eagles trailed 56-54 with 3.6 seconds left in regulation before Drew Tennial – who had 17 points and six rebounds and played all 45 minutes – buried two pressure free throws to force overtime.

Eastern New Mexico's Kentrell Pullian, who finished with 20 points and 10 rebounds, hit a 3-pointer 44 seconds into overtime to put the Greyhounds ahead, but OC again responded. Moun'Tae Edmundson (19 points, six rebounds) hit a jumper and Karlyn Kenner and Nyk Madison followed with baskets. Madison's put the Eagles up 62-59 with 2:13 left.

Cornell Greenwood's basket pulled Eastern New Mexico (5-6, 1-1) within a point with 1:47 left. Tennial then had a midrange shot blocked by Marvin Mapaga, which eventually led to two free throws for James Jordan with 59 seconds left. Jordan made both to give the Greyhounds a 63-62 lead.

At the other end, as Madison rose for a shot attempt, Jordan knocked the ball loose and the Greyhounds tracked it down. Jordan made two more free throws with 16.6 seconds left.

After an OC timeout, the Greyhounds denied the Eagles any open 3-point looks, forcing Tennial to have to shoot over two defenders with :04 left. He missed and Greenwood rebounded for Eastern New Mexico to end the game. The Greyhounds outrebounded OC 40-30.

Madison scored 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting for OC. Greenwood scored 12 points and Jordan had 11 for Eastern New Mexico.

OC will visit No. 1-ranked Lubbock Christian (Texas) on Saturday at 4 p.m.