A week after beating Hardin-Simmons by its largest margin in history, McMurry just squeaked by Louisiana College 41-38 at Ho. West Fieldhouse Monday night. McMurry shot just 25.5 percent from the floor, 20 percent from 3-point land, and 40.9 percent from the free-throw line. However, Louisiana College didn't take advantage and the Lady Wildcats shot just 22.4 percent in the loss.
Not a single player scored in double figures on either side. Dominique Brown scored nine points off the bench to lead McMurry and LC's Clarissa Brown scored nine points to lead the Lady Wildcats.
Tarra Richardson had seven points and 10 rebounds, however, six points and nine rebounds came in the first half before her game was cut short. She sprained her ankle five minutes into the second half and did not return.
The most McMurry led was by four points, however, Louisiana College had leads of five and six points at points in the contest. The Lady Wildcats had their six-point lead in the second half when Ashley Peairs hit a layup to put LC up 29-23 with 14:08 remaining.
However, the lead was short lived. McMurry went on a 9-2 run with Alison Nelson scoring five points and Dominique Brown scoring four during the run. McMurry lost the lead one other time when the Lady Wildcats' Kelli Brasher hit a layup with 2:19 left to put LC up 38-37. However, two possessions later, Jabri Butler scored to give McMurry the lead for good with 1:17 remaining.
Dominique Brown sealed the game with two free throws with 47 seconds remaining for the final points of the contest.
As has been the case all season, McMurry's defense was stellar, and it was a great time for the team to hold its opponent to the lowest total of the season. Louisiana College managed just 13 field goals on 58 attempts.
McMurry will re-group and play Mississippi College in Clinton, Miss. Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. The Lady Choctaws are traditionally among the best teams in the American Southwest Conference East Division.
McMurry improved to 7-1 overall and 4-0 in the ASC while Louisiana College is 5-4 overall and 1-3 in the ASC.
