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ABILENE, Texas – The shooting effort for both teams was dismal, but defense and capitalization on turnovers was the difference in McMurry's 71-57 win over cross-town rival Hardin-Simmons Tuesday night at Kimbrell Arena.

McMurry shot 35 percent from the field (26-75), Hardin-Simmons shot 30 percent (19-64), but McMurry turned 28 HSU turnovers into 24 points and evened both its conference and overall record at 2-2 and 3-3 respectively.

Four of McMurry's five starters scored in double figures with Erica Rawls leading the balanced effort with 14 points. Anna Berthel had 13 points and seven boards, La Porsha Alexander had 11 points and four steals, and Riketa Thomas added 10 points and four steals. Amanda Peters, the fifth starter for McMurry had eight points and three assists.

McMurry built a 14-point lead at halftime at 36-22 and led by as many as 22 points in the second half despite going 9 of 33 from the field in the final frame. A pair of successful free throws from Jennifer Wells with 3:40 gave McMurry a 66-46 lead. However, in one final desperation attempt, the Cowgirls went on an 11-0 run to cut the lead to nine points; the streak was capped by Lindsey Newcombe's 3-pointer with 1:12 left.

However, the home team scored the final five points of the ball game from the free-throw line including four from Peters. Newcombe had a double-double with 14 points and 12 boards. Bo Warm had 12 points and three assists, and Becky Taylor added eight points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort for the Cowgirls.

Hardin-Simmons, who was ranked in the national top 25 for the preseason, dropped to 2-5 overall and moved to 1-4 in American Southwest Conference play.

McMurry returns to action Friday in Clarksville, Ark. when it takes on the University of the Ozarks at 5:30 p.m.