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STEPHENVILLE - Riding a two-game losing skid, Tarleton looks to get back in the win column Wednesday night as the TexAnns host Eastern New Mexico in a battle of playoff-bound teams for the final home game of the season at 6 p.m. in Wisdom Gym.
When these teams met for the first time this season, Tarleton had just lost two key pieces of its rotation - Shanae Lowrance and Karli Moore - to season-ending injuries. The TexAnns survived a tight game in Portales, earning a 63-61 victory in the first game without their pair of posts.
Tarleton has won 12 straight games over the Zias dating back to 2008. Tarleton hasn't lost to the Zias since Feb. 24, 2007 and hasn't lost to ENMU in Stephenville since Jan. 29, 2000.
Under head coach Ronnie Hearne, Tarleton is 16-2 all-time against Eastern New Mexico. The Zias are also the team in which Hearne recorded his 1,000th career coaching victory against Jan. 4, 2012.
GAMEDAY PROMOTIONS
There will be an ATHLETIC COOKOFF at noon in front of Wisdom Gym before the regular season finale TAILGATE PARTY in the Wisdom Gym parking lot. Music begins at 3 p.m. and student activities will be setting up booths for making posters, face painting and giveaways starting at 4 p.m.
It is Athletic Trainer Recignition Night and the announcement of the winners of the iPad and cash prize for game attendance.
AT A GLANCE
Records: Tarleton TexAnns 17-7 (13-5 LSC), Eastern New Mexico Zias 7-19 (6-12 LSC)
Video: A live video broadcast of the game can be seen at TarletonSports.com
Radio: KSTV 93.1 FM The Mighty 93 in Stephenville has the call for the TexAnns with Mike Young (play-by-play) on air. An online link to the audio feed can be found at TarletonSports.com.
Last Time Out
Tarleton dropped its second straight LSC contest - just the second time to drop two straight conference games since the 2009-10 season - when the TexAnns fell at home to Midwestern State 71-63 Saturday night. Tarleton had three players - two starters - foul out of the game, including Cheyenne Berry (10 pts) and Brianna Bledsoe (6 pts). Peyton Adamson led the team with 21 points while Kiara Wright had 11 points and 11 rebounds in limited action due to foul trouble.
Early season meeting
The TexAnns and Zias met in Portales in late January with Tarleton sneaking away with a 63-61 victory. Tarleton overcame a 10-point, second-half deficit to come away with the win. The 2-point margin was the second closest in a Tarleton-ENMU game in the history of the series and the closest game since Tarleton won 63-62 in 2007.
Getting' Back on Track
Tarleton dropped its second straight LSC regular season contest Saturday night, marking just the second time since the 2009-10 season the TexAnns have lost back-to-back games in conference play. Tarleton has only lost three straight regular season conference games one time under head coach Ronnie Hearne - Feb. 16-23, 2008.
No Seniors in Sight
The final home game of the season in generally reserved as senior night, however, the TexAnns do not have a single senior on the current roster. This is the first time Tarleton has been senior-less since the 1995-96 season.
Leading the Nation
Following her 15-rebound performance against Incarnate Word Feb. 16, Kiara Wright has moved into and stayed at the top spot in the nation in rebounds with 13.7 per game. She is also tied for the national lead in double-doubles with 19. Seton Hall's Katie Gattuso is the only other player in the country with 19 double-doubles.
Playoff seeding on the line
Both Tarleton and Eastern New Mexico have secured berths in the LSC Championship Tournament in Allen next week. Both teams, however, are still battling for seeding. Tarleton is currently in control of its own destiny for the No. 3 seed. The projected first round matchup has the TexAnns against Angelo State, who is the only team with a secured seed at No. 6. Eastern New Mexico is currently the No. 8 seed in the tournament and are one game behind Texas A&M-Commerce in the standings. The Zias' are projected to play top-seed Abilene Christian in the opening round, as of today.
Postseason Tickets on Sale
The Lone Star Conference Basketball Championship is set to be played in Allen, Texas, for the second season. The tournament will feature eight men's and eight women's teams and is scheduled for an exciting four-day run from March 6-9. Reserve your tickets now and join your favorite team in Allen. Tournament action starts with first-round games on Wednesday, March 6, and Thursday, March 7. The semifinals will be played Friday, March 8. On Saturday, March 9, fans can see both the women's and men's championship games. To purchase tickets, call the Tarleton Ticket Office at (254) 968-1832.
Last Time Out for the Zias
Eastern New Mexico was outscored 41-31 over the final 25 minutes at Incarnate Word last Saturday as the Zias surrendered a first half lead to fall to the Cardinals in overtime at the McDermott Center in San Antonio. Nelsha Peterson recorded a double-double for the Zias with 24 points and 11 rebounds while Alexa Candelaria was the next highest scorer with 10 points. Both Peterson and Candelaria's efforts came off the bench.
Looking Ahead for Tarleton
The TexAnns will play the final game in Wisdom Gym of the 2012-13 season Wednesday night as they host Eastern New Mexico at 6 p.m.
