Eastern New Mexico University’s men’s basketball team came within three points of an upset victory but couldn’t close the deal, falling 76-73 to Fort Lewis College on Friday night at the Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena in Portales, New Mexico. The loss, which came on the opening night of the 2025-26 season, was painful but not without promise. With the crowd buzzing and the scoreboard tight in the final minutes, the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds showed grit, rebounding dominance, and flashes of offensive rhythm — yet couldn’t convert at the line when it mattered most.
Rebounding Edge Not Enough
For all the effort the Greyhounds put in, the difference came down to a few missed shots — and one red-hot shooter. Fort Lewis College, the Skyhawks, were led by Jaxon Smith, the Utah State transfer who exploded for 28 points on 7-of-11 from beyond the arc. His shooting wasn’t just efficient — it was devastating. When Fort Lewis needed a basket, Smith delivered, hitting threes from every angle, turning a close game into a nail-biter. He wasn’t alone: Chuol Deng added 12 points and Yorgio Golesis chipped in 10, helping the Skyhawks shoot a blistering 56.3% from three-point range.
Meanwhile, Eastern New Mexico’s Jose Murillo, the senior forward, delivered a quiet masterpiece: 15 points and 10 rebounds — his fifth career double-double — on a perfect 6-for-7 from the field. He was the engine of the Greyhounds’ inside game, battling under the basket with a physicality that defined the night. The team outrebounded Fort Lewis 42-37, with a staggering 21-11 advantage on the offensive glass. That’s not just effort — that’s relentless. But too often, those extra possessions ended in airballs or clanks from the free-throw line.
Coach Võ’s Postgame Reality Check
Daven Võ, head coach of the Eastern New Mexico Greyhounds, didn’t sugarcoat it. “We had a great crowd tonight. Just didn’t shoot the ball well from the free throw line. Very correctable. We played hard and made some runs,” he said. And he’s right — the Greyhounds did make runs. Down by 12 with seven minutes left, they clawed back with a 14-3 spurt fueled by Murillo’s putbacks and timely steals. The crowd, estimated near 2,000, roared with every possession, the horseshoe-shaped arena shaking with every defensive stop.
But the stats don’t lie: Eastern New Mexico went 12-for-21 from the line — a 57.1% clip that, in a three-point game, is the difference between victory and heartbreak. In contrast, Fort Lewis hit 15-of-19 (78.9%), including clutch conversions in the final 90 seconds. “We’re not going to win many games shooting 57% from the stripe,” Võ added. “But we’re not going to lose many if we keep playing like this.”
A Historic Rivalry, Again in Fort Lewis’ Favor
This loss extends Fort Lewis’ dominance in the series to 9-1 over the last 10 meetings, dating back to November 14, 2015. The Skyhawks have now won eight straight against the Greyhounds — a streak that includes an 8-point win last year and a 30-point blowout in 2014. The margin of victory has been razor-thin lately: the smallest win in the last decade was a 75-74 Fort Lewis victory in 2023. This game? Another one-point thriller. It’s clear this isn’t just a rivalry — it’s a psychological battleground.
And yet, there’s hope. Eastern New Mexico’s ball control was solid (14 turnovers to Fort Lewis’ 16), and their defensive pressure forced key mistakes. The team played with a “pesky tempo,” as the postgame recap noted — a term that sounds like a compliment from a coach who’s seen too many teams fold under pressure. They didn’t quit. They didn’t back down. And they nearly pulled off the upset.
What’s Next? A Quick Turnaround Against a Winless Opponent
The Greyhounds have no time to dwell. On Saturday, November 15, 2025, just 24 hours after this gut-punch loss, they host New Mexico Highlands University — a team that entered the night 0-4 after a 20-point loss to Western New Mexico. It’s a chance to reset, to prove the rebounding prowess and defensive intensity weren’t a fluke. If Murillo and the frontcourt can dominate again, and if the free throws start falling, this could be the spark that turns the season around.
Looking ahead, the schedule includes a tough matchup against the UT Permian Basin Falcons on February 8, 2026 — a game that could determine postseason positioning. But for now, the focus is on the next 48 hours. The arena lights will be on again Saturday night. The same fans will be there. And this time, the Greyhounds know what’s at stake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Eastern New Mexico lose despite winning the rebounding battle?
Despite outrebounding Fort Lewis 42-37 — including a 21-11 edge on the offensive glass — Eastern New Mexico struggled at the free-throw line, hitting just 12 of 21 attempts (57.1%). Fort Lewis capitalized on their 78.9% free throw accuracy, converting key shots in the final minutes. Rebounding creates opportunities, but without finishing at the line, those chances don’t translate to points.
How significant is Jaxon Smith’s performance for Fort Lewis?
Jaxon Smith’s 28-point, 7-of-11 three-point shooting performance was the difference-maker. His ability to stretch the floor forced Eastern New Mexico’s defense to scramble, opening lanes for teammates. As a former Utah State transfer, he brings Division I-level shooting to NCAA D-II, and his confidence under pressure made him nearly unguardable in the second half. He’s now Fort Lewis’ go-to scorer and a major reason they’ve won 9 of the last 10 games against ENMU.
What does this loss mean for Eastern New Mexico’s season outlook?
It’s a wake-up call, not a death knell. The Greyhounds showed they can compete with top-tier D-II teams — especially with Jose Murillo leading the frontcourt. Their rebounding and defensive effort are strong, but free throw shooting must improve. If they can raise their FT percentage to 70%+, they’re a playoff contender. The next game against winless New Mexico Highlands is critical for building momentum.
How does the Steve Loy Family Foundation Arena impact home games?
The arena, with its horseshoe design and intimate seating, creates one of the loudest environments in NCAA D-II basketball. With over 2,000 fans attending key games like Kids Day, the crowd noise disrupts opposing offenses and energizes the Greyhounds. Coaches often cite the home-court advantage as a key factor in close games — and Friday’s atmosphere proved it, even in defeat.
Is this the first time Fort Lewis has dominated this series?
No — Fort Lewis has controlled the series for nearly a decade. Since 2015, they’ve won 9 of the last 10 meetings, including an eight-game winning streak from 2018 to 2025. The largest margin was a 32-point win in 2014, but lately, the games have been tight — five of the last seven were decided by five points or fewer. This loss continues a pattern of psychological dominance that Eastern New Mexico must break.
What’s the significance of Jose Murillo’s double-double?
Murillo’s 15-point, 10-rebound performance marks his fifth career double-double — a rare feat for a senior forward in D-II. His efficiency (6-for-7 shooting) shows he’s become a reliable scoring option inside. More importantly, his presence on the glass gives Eastern New Mexico a second chance on nearly every miss. He’s the team’s most consistent player and likely their best bet to lead them to a turnaround.