MARSHALL, Texas -- The McMurry women's basketball team extended its winning streak over East Texas Baptist to eight in a row Saturday afternoon as McMurry topped the Lady Tigers, 84-54, in an American Southwest Conference crossover game at Ornelas Gymnasium. 

McMurry never trailed in the game and led by as many as 34 points (79-45) en route to winning their third straight game (all of which have come against ASC East opponents).  McMurry, who is currently in a three-way tie for first place in the ASC West Division when considering the number of conference losses, will reconvene with ASC West competition on Thursday, Jan. 15, when they host Texas Lutheran.  Tip time is slated for 5:30 p.m. at Kimbrell Arena.

In the first half, the Lady Tigers shot just 23 percent (8 of 35) from the field, including eight percent (1 of 12) from 3-point range.  On the other hand, McMurry didn't struggle in the first half as they shot 51 percent (18 of 35) from the floor, including 50 percent (5 of 10) from 3-point range.

McMurry jumped out to a quick 10-2 run just four minutes into the game and continued to lead by that margin for most of the first half.  McMurry led 33-25 with four minutes and thirty seconds remaining in the first frame before finishing the first half on a 12-2 run to take a commanding 45-27 lead into the break. 

More of the same continued in the second half as McMurry gradually expanded its lead throughout the frame and outscored ETBU 39-27 in the half to win going away. The conference win pushes McMurry to 9-3 overall and 6-2 in conference play; meanwhile, the loss drops the Lady Tigers to 3-9 and 3-5. 

McMurry's swarming full-court defense caused offensive woes for ETBU all game as the Lady Tigers shot a paltry 23 percent (15 of 65) from the field, including 11 percent (2 of 19) from behind the arc.  McMurry finished the game shooting 46 percent (32 of 69) from the floor, including a 53-percent performance (9 of 17) from trey land. 

McMurry sophomore post Anna Berthel led McMurry's effort with a game-high 17 points and four blocks.  Rounding out the double-digit scorers for McMurry were senior guard Amber Horton and senior forward Jabri Butler, who each chipped in with 11 points.