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PORTALES, N.M.  – The Angelo State women's basketball team rallied back in the second half against Eastern New Mexico but couldn't hang on falling, 74-64, on Saturday afternoon in Portales.

The Belles (9-7, 3-3 LSC) forced 22 Zia (5-8, 3-1 LSC) turnovers and scored 27 points during the game. ENMU hit 43-percent from the field including 44-percent from behind the arc. ASU made 31-percent from the field but excelled from the charity stripe making 25-of-33 free throws.

The two teams were tied at six to start the game until the Zias went on a 15-2 over the next 4:22 of the first half to take a 21-8 advantage. ENMU hit 36-percent of its shots from the field and sank 42-percent from three pointers in the first half.

The Zias took its largest lead of the first half at 25-11 with 6:28 to play. ASU would outscore ENMU 16-8 over the final 6:28. A  Haylee Oliver jumper sparked a 6-0 run over the final 2:06 of the first half to close the gap to 33-27 ENMU at the break.  The Belles struggled from the floor making only 26-percent of their shots but were aided by hitting 15-of-19 free throws in the first half.

The second half started with a 6-2 Bell run started with a Leah LeMaire three pointer. The Zias responded with a 12-4 run over the next 4:52 to push their lead to 48-37. Tati Haynes' jumper at the 11:49 mark sent ASU on a 7-0 to put the Belles down only four at 48-44.

The Zias again responded with a 6-0 run before ASU went on a 10-2 run to take a 57-56 lead with a Karli Kellermeier jumper. Eastern New Mexico once again answered with a run of its own. The Zias went on a 12-3 run to go up 68-60 with 1:10 to go in the game. ENMU would hit six free throws in the final minute to secure the 74-64 victory.

Tati Haynes led the Belles with 11 points and Rochelle Norris added 10 points.

Four ENMU players scored in double figures with Tori Tucker and Alexa Candelaria scoring 14 points each. Jasmine Johnson and Lakeeyscia Griffin added 12 points each.

The Belles will return to Stephens Arena on Wednesday at 6 p.m. against Midwestern State.