GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. – McMurry University's women's basketball team dropped a tough decision to Western State Colorado University, 70-67, in its opening game of the Holiday Inn-Thanksgiving Classic, hosted by Colorado Mesa University.
 
McMurry dominated in most categories, out-shooting the Mountaineers (49 percent to 36 percent) and holding a 39-34 rebounding advantage. McMurry also sank two more free throws than Western State.
 
Unfortunately, the War Hawks also led in another category – turnovers – that may have spelled the difference as Western State had 20 more field goal attempts in the game. McM committed 21 miscues, compared to 13 by WSCU.
 
McMurry had a total of four of its five starters register double-figure scoring, paced by junior transfer Taylor Neal's 24 point effort. Neal was a comfortable 10-of-17 (59 percent) from the field, 2-of-3 from beyond the arc and 2-for-4 from the free throw stripe.
 
It was Neal's fifth double-figure scoring game (out of six). She has also had back-to-back games with 20 or more points.
 
Neal also had six rebounds and two assists.
 
Taylor Russell, a junior, had her first career double-double game, as well. Russell registered 11 points and 10 boards (four offensive), hitting 3-of-4 from the floor. Russell also canned 5-of-6 charity tosses in her 36 minutes on the court.
 
Sophomore Haley Welch joined Russell with 11 points, earning her keep at the free throw line by going 6-for-9. Welch also chipped in two assists and two steals.
 
McM's fourth double-figure scorer was Mishae Roper, with 10 points, her high game as a War Hawk. Roper pulled down eight rebounds – all on the defensive end – and three blocked shots, as she provided pains to the Mountaineers on offense.
 
McM's fifth starter – senior Adijatu Disu – had a balanced effort with eight points, six rebounds and a block.
 
The two teams battled each other close, with neither able to extend on the other. WSCU led at halftime, 32-29. The two clubs battled even in the second stanza, each garnering 38 points in the period. The largest lead by either team was three points and the game was tied 18 times.
 
The two teams battled each other close, with neither able to extend on the other. WSCU led at halftime, 32-29. The two clubs battled even in the second stanza, each garnering 38 points in the period. The largest lead by either team was three points and the game was tied 18 times.
 
"Overall, we approach every game with a 'fight and play for each other' mindset," McM coach William Milton said. "To let the cohesiveness of our team be an advantage for us on and off the court. I have hope for our process as a whole to be more consistent offensively, and to have that we need the effort and execution to be more hand-in-hand on a day-in and day-out basis.
 
"It's a part of being young. Our process is moving in a positive direction, which makes me proud as a coach."