By Joel Weckerly, Sports Editor

Coming off an emotional overtime loss to Lone Star Conference South opponent Midwestern State Thursday, the ACU men’s basketball team travels to Portales, N.M., Thursday to face an Eastern New Mexico team ranked No. 5 in the South Central Region poll.

The Greyhounds (11-6, 1-1 LSC South), who clinched the South division title last season, are currently tied for third in the division with the Wildcats (10-7, 1-1). Additionally, ENMU has been tough to beat at home this season, boasting a 4-1 record at Greyhound Arena.

“They’re very good,” ACU head coach Klint Pleasant said. “They’re one of the favorites to win the South. They play hard, and they play well at home. It’s a tough place to go and play.”

Thursday’s matchup features the two best rebounders in the entire conference in ACU senior forward Tucker Pierson and ENMU junior forward Jamaal Hunnicutt. Pierson leads the league with 9.5 rebounds per game, while Hunnicutt is right behind him with 8.6 boards per contest.

ACU senior guard David Baxter leads the team in scoring with 15.8 points per game.

The Greyhounds’ leading scorer is Kennis Green, with a modest 13.1 points per game.

After visiting the Greyhounds, ACU travels to West Texas A&M Saturday before returning to Moody Coliseum for a home game against Texas A&M Commerce Feb. 5.

“After an emotional loss the other night, I hope we can bounce back and get a victory Thursday,” Pleasant said.

Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. mountain time.