Box Score

IRVING, Texas – Austin College outscored McMurry 34-23 in the second half to hold on for a 59-53 win Friday in the first round of the University of Dallas Classic. The Kangaroos trailed by five at half but used a 46-percent shooting effort in the second half to move to 1-1 on the season.

McMurry on the other hand, shot just 18 percent on 6 of 33 shooting in the second half to let the 'Roos climb back in the game and take the victory. Anna Berthel's jumper with 12:06 remaining put McMurry within two points of the lead with 12:06 remaining. However, Austin College scored five unanswered points to stretch the lead back to seven points and held McMurry at bay for the remainder of the contest.

Berthel hit two free throws with 3:47 remaining to put McMurry within three points again at 54-51, but the 'Roos answered back with a bucket from Kersti Marusich followed by her free throw on the next possession to put the lead back at six. Berthel struck again with a jumper with 56 seconds left to cut the lead to four points. However, Austin College hit two free throws in the last 25 seconds to put the game away.

Shayna Clardy had 15 points while Marusich and Courtney Kenisky had 10 apiece for the 'Roos. Berthel led McMurry with 16 points while Andi Lukasewskit had 12 points, all in the first half. Rikeita Thomas and Hailey Stacy each had11 in the losing effort.

McMurry (0-1) will play the hosts, the University of Dallas at 4 p.m. Saturday while Austin College will face Sul Ross State at 2 p.m.