ABILENE, Texas -   The McMurry University men's basketball team could overcome an experienced LeTourneau University squad, falling by an 85-69 score at Kimbrell Arena.  The War Hawks fell to 4-8 overall and 3-3 in the American Southwest Conference, while the Yellowjackets improved to 10-2 on the year and share the ASC East Division lead at 4-1.
 
The youthful McM team never seemed to get its footing, as LETU led wire-to-wire. The visitors' deft shooting helped them to race out to an 11-point advantage just 5:30 minutes into the game, 13-2. LeTourneau hit nearly 55 percent in the first half (18-33) and finished the game at 51 percent. The War Hawks shot 37 percent (25-68) for the evening. The Yellowjackets canned nine baskets from beyond the arc, compared to four by the host War Hawks.
 
Senior LaRandall Scroggins led McM with 14 points. Scroggins drained 6-of-11 field goal attempts and also shared high rebound honors for the War Hawks with six boards.
 
Sophomore teammate Mike Williams Jr. also grabbed six caroms and was McMurry's only other double-digit scorer with 10 points. Williams was 3-for-5 from the floor and 4-of-6 from the free throw line.
 
Sophomore Zacc Carter contributed eight points and four rebounds.  Newcomer Dedrick Berry Jr. and senior Aaron Gettys each chipped in six points, with Gettys also snaring four rebounds. Luke Stephenson and Collin Taylor booked five points, apiece.
 
McM head coach Zach Pickelman was able to get a look at some of his younger players, with all 16 members of the roster seeing action. Elijah Johnson and Daniel Anozie each scored four points, as did vet Khalil Butler.
 
The War Hawks will host East Texas Baptist University on Saturday (4 p.m.) at Kimbrell Arena.