Full Box
BEAUMONT, Texas – The McMurry men's basketball program got its last “tune-up” of the pre-season today, as it traveled to Beaumont to take on Lamar University in an exhibition contest. The War Hawks made the Cardinals work and fell by just eight in a 74-66 decision.
The War Hawks came out aggressive early and jumped out to a 4-0 lead on a basket by
Antonio Bell and two free-throws by Kenny Williams. The two teams would then trade baskets for a majority of the first half, with the War Hawks keeping the lead throughout.
A three-point shot by
DJ Stennis with 6:32 remaining in the half, gave McMurry its biggest lead of the day at seven points. After Lamar cut the lead to just one with 2:07 remaining, another three, this time by
Chris Campbell, put McM up by four at 30-26 with 56 seconds remaining in the half.
As time expired in the half, a jumper by Lamar's Donley Minor cut the War Hawk lead to two, but McMurry went into the half, 30-28, having not trailed at all in the entire first half.
In the first half of play, the War Hawks defense held tough with their Division I opponent, holding the Cardinals to just 34% shooting while forcing nine turnovers in the half.
In the beginning of the second half, McMurry used a 7-2 run to start the half, including a three by Bell and two free-throws by
Alfred Perez to match its largest lead of seven, with 17:07 remaining in the game.
With the War Hawks up four points, a three-point play by Amos Wilson cut the lead to one. Another Wilson free-throw tied the game at 44-44 with 11:35 to go. Just 26 seconds later, Minor gave the Cardinals their first lead of the contest on a layup, and Lamar never again trailed.
With the War Hawks still trailing by just two, 52-50, the Cardinals' Keilan Blanks scored six-straight points to put Lamar up by eight. The War Hawks would fight hard the rest of the way, but would get no closer than four.
For the War Hawks, four players scored in double figures, led by 13 from Stennis off the bench. Stennis was also the most productive shooter for the War Hawks, hitting 4-6 from the field and 3-5 from behind the arc.
"All of guards, including DJ must improve their passing and assist to turnover ratios, but DJ was efficient on offense," remarked Beard of his junior combo guard. "13 points on just six shots is good basketball. DJ has been working hard on his shooting and it was good to it pay off today."
Joining Stennis in double figures were Bell with 13, along with Williams and
Takoby Jackson with 11.
Lamar was led by 18 points from Minor and 16 apiece from Blanks and Wilson.
"I appreciated Pat (Knight - head coach of Lamar) scheduling this game with us,It was a valuable experience for our team," said Beard.
"We competed and played well for 30 minutes, but we had too many mistakes in the last 10 that cost us. We are not into moral victories. We made this trip to win the game, but came up short against a quality, well-coached team. We will continue to try and keep improving in practice this week."
McMurry will open its regular season on Monday, November 12 when it host the University of the Southwest. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
