UNM’s Beynon shows her toughness
Senior has started 115 straight games
Sure things are exceedingly rare in the world of sports. Cherise Beynon has been one of them.
Since she arrived in Albuquerque in 2014, the University of New Mexico women’s basketball team has played 115 games. Beynon has started every one.
The senior point guard continues to ascend UNM’s statistical record lists. She recently became just the second Lobo to surpass 500 career assists, the third to eclipse 200 steals and needs only 28 points to reach 1,500. Beynon ranks sixth all-time in scoring and is gaining fast on Jean Rostermundt (1977-80), who ranks fifth with 1,541 points scored.
One might argue, however, that Beynon’s most impressive stat is her ongoing iron-woman streak. UNM does not keep records for games started, consecutive or overall, but Lobo coach Mike Bradbury said Beynon’s streak is a testament to her toughness.
“The best ones are good for a reason,” Bradbury said. “Reese shows up to work every practice and shows up to play every game. She’s a competitor and she always gives everything she’s got.”
Being on the court for 115 straight tip-offs hasn’t always been easy. Beynon has played through her share of bumps, bruises and illnesses along the way.
That list includes a loose tooth or two suffered Saturday when Beynon was floored by an inadvertent elbow to the face during the first quarter of UNM’s 88-75 win over Fresno State at Dreamstyle Arena. Bulldogs guard Candice White caught Beynon flush while trying to complete a stepthrough move under the basket.
Beynon spent several minutes on the floor before being helped to the bench and later up the Pit ramp for examination. Beynon’s return and perhaps even her streak of starts appeared in jeopardy — but not for long.
She was back on the bench by quarter’s end and back in the game minutes later. Beynon went on to post a double-double (20 points, 10 assists), but she admits that brushing her teeth has since been challenging.
“My mouth definitely still hurts a little,” she said after Monday’s practice. “Candice White has a great step-through move and I just got too close. It wasn’t intentional, just part of the game.”
Beynon wore a protective mouthpiece Monday and may have to continue to wear it for a while. Earlier this season she had to wear a clear protective mask after taking a shot to the nose during practice. She traded in the mask for a bandage during UNM’s first few games.
“I don’t know which is worse,” she said, “(the mouthpiece) or the mask. I don’t like either one, but as long as I get to play …”
Beynon does not keep track of most of her career statistics but she is aware that she’s never missed a game in her UNM career. She’d prefer to keep the streak intact.
“I want to be out there playing my role, helping my team,” Beynon said. “Whether I start or not isn’t the big thing. I just want our team to win and to be able to contribute.”
So far, so good for Beynon and the Lobos (16-3, 4-2 Mountain West), who host UNLV (8-7, 3-1) on Wednesday. Beynon fully expects to be in the lineup against her hometown school.
Bradbury already was counting on Beynon’s availability when he was asked about her condition after Saturday’s win.
“She’s fine,” he said before cracking a smile. “Well, I say she’s fine. Cherise might say something completely different if you ask her. But she’s fine to play, everybody saw that. It takes a lot to keep her out of a basketball game.”
NUMBERS: UNM continues to rank among the national statistical leaders in several categories. The Lobos rank fourth with 183 made 3-pointers and sixth with 286 made free throws. Beynon ranks fifth in total assists (140) and eighth in assists per game (7.4). Jaisa Nunn ranks seventh in offensive rebounds per game (5.0), while Tesha Buck is eighth with 64 made 3-pointers.
UNM’s RPI ranking was an MWC-best 42 Monday. Wyoming’s was 58.