ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University outscored Hardin-Simmons 15-6 in the final three minutes of the contest and went on to a 91-79 victory at HSU's Mabee Complex Monday night.
Jeremie Hart scored nine of his season-high 35 points during the final three-minute run to help McMurry sweep the season series over its cross-town rival.
The Cowboys' Carlos Singer hit a jumper with 2:55 remaining in the game to cut the McMurry lead to 76-73. However, HSU turned the ball over three times in the final three minutes and was forced to foul McMurry and send its opponents to the free-throw line. McMurry responded by hitting 9 of 10 from the charity stripe during the stretch.
McMurry shot 59 percent from the floor for the game – its second-highest percentage of the season - on a 32 of 54 effort. Hart, who also recorded his seventh double-double in his last nine games, finished 12 of 19 from the floor, 10 of 12 from the free-throw line and grabbed 12 rebounds.
Jamal Anene scored 17 points,
Ryan Boyd added 14 points and 10 rebounds as well while
Steven Luckey added 13.
The Cowboys fired up 79 shots on the game and hit just 29 including an 11 of 35 effort from beyond the 3-ponit arc. HSU turned the ball over 14 times compared to McMurry's 21, but the Cowboys couldn't overcome McMurry's overall shooting effort and clutch free throws down the stretch.
HSU shot just 35 percent in the first half, but the Cowboys did nail five 3-point baskets. However, McMurry shot 58 percent on 15 of 26 shooting in the opening half and hit 6 of 13 3-point attempts. Luckey and Hart were both already in double figures at the half with 11 points apiece for McMurry while MyKale Hall had 11 for HSU.
Hall finished with 23 points for HSU while John Derr came off the bench with 19 and Casey Riddle added 15 points.
The victory starts a three-game road trip for McMurry despite Monday's game being just across town in Abilene, and the team will take the floor next in Belton Thursday at 7:30 p.m. HSU fell to 4-15 overall and 4-11 in American Southwest Conference play while McMurry improved to 13-6 overall and 11-4 in league play.
