KINGSVILLE, Texas – The McMurry University men's basketball team picked up its first win against a NCAA Division II opponent, as it routed Cameron University, 76-56, at the Holiday Inn Emerald Beach Classic, on Friday evening on the campus of Texas A&M – Kingsville.

For the fourth straight contest, the War Hawks jumped all over their opponent in the first half. McM scored 15 straight to open the contest in just the first four minutes. Kenny Williams notched nine points in that span, including two jumpers and a three-pointer at the 16:04 mark to spark the run.

“We always try to get out to a fast start,” said head coach Chris Beard. “I think that is the plan for all teams going into their games, and we have been fortunate enough to make it happen over the last four contests.”

After the Aggies finally got on the board on a layup by Rudy Harrell, McMurry went on another run. Spanning the next six minutes of the half, the War Hawks outscored their opponent, 12-4, to open a 27-6 lead. The lead would expand to as large as 22 in the first half, before the Aggies went on a small run to close out the half. The War Hawks would take a 16-point lead into the intermission, 40-24.

Williams and Antonio Bell led the way in the first half of the contest, as they accounted for eight of the team's 13 made field goals, as well as nine of the team's 12 free throws. The defense held the Aggies to just 33 percent shooting in the frame and forced six turnovers.

Cameron opened the second half with a short 5-0 run to cut the War Hawks lead to 11, 40-29, but that is as close as the Aggies would get. McMurry's lead would eventually expand to 23-points on a dunk from Williams at 4:38 mark, and McM would go on to win the game by 20, 76-56.

Just like in the first half, the War Hawks' defense was once again stout, as they held Cameron to 31 percent in the half. For the game, the Aggies managed just 32 percent from the field and 33 percent from three point range.

For the War Hawks, Williams led the way offensively, reaching the 20-point plateau for the first time this season. He finished the day with 22 points on an efficient, 7-of-11 shooting while making 7-of-8 from the charity stripe. Bell completed the day with 16 points, including 9-of-10 from the free throw line, and five assists. Connor Robinson finished the day with a double-double, tallying 11 points and 10 rebounds.

As a team, McMurry did what it has done best all season. The War Hawks out-rebounded Cameron University, 45-29, which included 18 offensive rebounds. McM also held the advantage in second chance points, 19-8, as well as points off turnovers, 12-3.

McMurry, who had been averaging 21 turnovers per game over the course of the young season, did a much better job in that regard as well, committing just 10 in the contest.

“I thought we played quite well tonight,” remarked Beard. “We got off to a fast start and we were able to continue to play well on the defensive side of the ball.”

McMurry will be back in action on Saturday for the second day of the Thanksgiving Classic when it takes on the host Javelinas of Texas A&M – Kingsville. The game is scheduled for a 4 p.m. tip-off.