by Steven Fernandez
Daily Lobo
Timi E-Nunu doesn't do a whole lot of things on the court that show up in the box score.
If there was a statistic for giving offensive players headaches however, E-Nunu might be more well known.
A forward on the UNM women's basketball team, E-Nunu is one of the most important role players. She comes off the bench in key situations, mainly to shut down the opponents' best offensive player.
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The junior does not get the recognition some of her teammates do, but you won't hear E-Nunu complain. She is fine with the role she plays.
"I take a lot of pride in it," she said. "I feel like my defense is the best aspect of my game. I feel like that's the way I can contribute to the team, and I'm going to try and build up on it."
For UNM, her contributions keep getting bigger as the season moves along. E-Nunu shined in the Lobos' most important victory of the season, a 62-44 beating of No. 10 Minnesota at The Pit.
While she finished the game with just three points, it was her defense that helped lift the team to a victory. E-Nunu was inserted into the game when the Lobos put on a full-court press, and she harassed the Golden Gophers' ball handlers up and down the court. She finished with three steals and helped force Minnesota into 17 turnovers.
In that game, the fans in The Pit certainly knew who E-Nunu was. After she pressured a Minnesota player into throwing a pass out-of-bounds, chants of "Timi" began ringing through the stadium.
Head coach Don Flanagan has praised E-Nunu all season long. He said she gives the team an important energy on defense.
Flanagan said E-Nunu is his defensive specialist, and she has played a key role every game. She has been particularly effective in trapping the ball-carrier in the corner on the far end of the court. E-Nunu's teammates said she brings an intensity that flows through the team.
While other Lobos spend time praising her, E-Nunu is focused on one thing: winning. After defeating Texas and Minnesota, who were both ranked in the top 15 in the nation, E-Nunu said UNM can go far this season.
Team members have been dealing with different injuries and illnesses this year, including E-Nunu. Despite all the physical problems, the Lobos have played through them to a 6-1 record. E-Nunu said winning while dealing with adversity shows a lot about the team's character.
"It builds up our confidence, and it builds up our morale as well," she said. "It shows us that we can play with all the top-ranked teams."
E-Nunu may not be one of the most talked about players on the team, but that's OK.
All she cares about is wreaking havoc on opposing teams' defenses.
