ABILENE, Texas – The McMurry University men's basketball team will start the second-half of its' Heartland Conference schedule as it hosts the Hilltoppers of St. Edward's University on Saturday. McMurry finished the first-half of conference play one game over .500, at 5-4.
 
The War Hawks are looking to get back on track after a 65-52, non-conference set back to Tarleton State University on Wednesday. In the contest, Takoby Jackson led the way, notching his second double-double of the season as he scored 21 points and pulled down 11 boards. Alfred Perez was the only other War Hawk in double figures in the game, as he scored 15 points. Antonio Bell finished with eight.
 
Over the season, Jackson has been the leader of the team, averaging 13.5 points per game. Bell is scoring 11.2 while Perez is averaging 9.1 so far this season.
 
After a four game losing streak, the Hilltoppers got back on track with a 89-70 victory over Oklahoma Panhandle State. In that game, Jeff Campbell led the way with 17 points while Conner Kjer added 13. Shimeek Johnson, Chris Wacker and Harley Nussman all added 10.  
 
Johnson is the Hilltoppers top scorer, averaging 16.8 points per contest. James Stukes is the only other SEU player averaging double figures, scoring 10.5 per night.
 
McM will begin the second-half of conference play in the friendly confines of Kimbrell Arena, where the War Hawks are currently 7-0 on the season. In those seven games, McMurry is holding its opponents under 60 points per game and is holding a 77.3-59.7 advantage. The War Hawks also outrebound their opponents by almost 10 boards per game at home (38.0-29.4).
 
Reversely, St. Edward's prefers not to play on the road, as the Hilltoppers are just 2-6 away from their home court this season.
 
In the two teams' previous meeting, offense was at a surplus as the War Hawks defeated St. Edward's on their home floor, 101-92. Six different McM players scored in double figures, led by Jackson's 26 points. Bell scored 19 in the game while Kaylim Noel notched 17.
 
Both teams shot well from the field, but the War Hawks couldn't seem to miss in the second half of play, connecting on 18-of-22 from the field in the game. The team also took advantage of the charity stripe as they were 33-of-44 from the free throw line in the contest.
 
Today's game will mark the 31^st all-time meeting between McMurry and St. Edward's with the War Hawks holding a 20-10 edge in the all-time series.