AUSTIN, Texas – After a two-game hiatus, the McMurry University men's basketball team will dive back into Heartland Conference play in its' first contest of 2013, when it takes on St. Edward's University on Saturday.

The War Hawks are coming off back-to-back home victories over The University of the Incarnate Word and Northern New Mexico College. In both of those contests, McMurry held each opponent under 70 points. McM defeated UIW, 76-68, before disposing of NNM, 84-67.

Defense has been the key to the War Hawks early 7-2 record, allowing their opponents to score over 70 points just once this season (an 86-79 victory over York College). McMurry leads the Heartland Conference in opponents' points per game (60.8), opponents' field goal percentage (.384), and rebounding margin (+12.0). The War Hawks also rank second in the conference in three-point percentage defense (.288) and scoring margin (+11.8).

Offensively, the War Hawks have started to spread the ball around more effectively, as all five starters scored in double figures in the team's win over Northern New Mexico. Both Antonio Bell and Connor Robinson have found their stride as each has scored in double-figures in their two previous games. Robinson also added a double-double (18 points, 10 rebounds) in the victory against Incarnate Word.

McM will take on a Hilltoppers squad Saturday that is currently 10-6 on the season, including an 0-2 record in conference play. Offensively, St. Edward's is led by Shimeek Johnson's 16.2 points per game. Johnson's 33 made three-pointers also leads the Heartland Conference.

Offensively, SEU ranks eighth in the conference in points per game (70.6) and are last in field goal percentage, shooting just under 40 percent.

The two teams will open the 2013 portion of their schedules with tip-off scheduled for a 4 p.m. start.

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