ABILENE, Texas -  Four McMurry University players tallied in double-figure scoring to lead the team to a 92-89 upset of American Southwest Conference West Division tri-leader Sul Ross State University at Kimbrell Arena. The War Hawks (8-7, 4-3 ASC) used a strong defense versus the Lobos (9-7, 5-2 ASC) to gain the big win.
 
McM's second-year head coach Zach Pickelman's crew found itself down by as much as 12 points – 26-14 – midway through the first half versus SRSU.  But the War Hawks clawed back behind Luke Stephenson's efforts, who had 11 of his 16 points in the opening stanza, to trail by just a single possession at the intermission, 48-45.
 
With 10:25 left to play, the Lobos still led by nine points, 72-63, on a jumper in the paint by C.J. Ross (who finished with a game-high 25 points for SRSU).  McMurry's Stephenson canned a trey and Aaron Gettys followed with a layup to make it 72-68.  Darius Watts' three-ball gave the War Hawks their first lead since the 1:10 juncture of the opening half, 74-73.
 
McMurry still was on top with just 1:28 left in the game, until SRSU's Ross had a steal and layup to knot the game at 86-86. A few seconds later, the Lobos' Conner Dawson made one of two free throws to put the guests ahead 87-86.
 
With 47 seconds remaining, Watts took a pass from Calvin McGee and rattled home a three-pointer to put McM on top to stay. Watts not only made the long-distance clutch basket, but was fouled on the play and converted the subsequent free throw as well, 90-87.
 
SRSU was only able to convert two of four free throw tries in the waning moments. Conversely, LaRandall Scroggins connected on a pair of charity tosses for McM with 17 seconds left for the 92-89 final score.
 
In addition to Stephenson's 16 points, the War Hawks were led by Watts with 20 points, including five baskets from beyond the arc.  Scroggins finished with 19 points and eight rebounds. Scroggins was 7-of-13 from the floor and 5-of-6 from the free throw line.
 
Senior Nate Estrada finished with 10 points and eight rebounds, as well. Freshman Krishawn Terry came off the bench and had a team-leading nine rebounds for McMurry.