ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University's women's basketball team kept pace for the top spot in the American Southwest Conference West Division standings by knocking off LeTourneau University, 76-69, at Kimbrell Arena. The War Hawks (7-5, 5-1 ASC) remained in a tie for the divisional lead (with Mary Hardin-Baylor) with the win over the Yellowjackets (3-9, 0-5 ASC).
LeTourneau scored the first basket of the game, which would be the visitors' only lead of the game. A three-point play from McM's
Sarah Doherty ignited an 11-0 run by the War Hawks. And the team never looked back from there, leading 18-9 after one quarter and 34-26 at the half. McMurry posted its largest lead – 13 points – early in the third quarter, 39-26, on a
Skyler Reyna jumper.
Reyna led a smothering McM defensive assault that forced 18 turnovers, which was parlayed into 40 points for the hosts. Reyna, personally, made five to the War Hawks' six steals as a team.
Reyna and teammate
Isabel Carrion both finished the game with double-doubles to their credit. Reyna was the game's co-leader in scoring with 20 points and pulled down a game-leading 14 rebounds, as well. She hit 7-of-12 from the floor, was 6-for-6 from the free throw line and also passed off for three assists.
Carrion matched her career high with 10 rebounds, while registering 13 points, for her second double-double of the season. She also matched her career-best mark for assists with seven.
As a team, the War Hawks rolled up a total of 22 assists on their 28 field goals made.
Doherty finished the game with 16 points and four assists, also grabbing five rebounds.
Monica Jones was McM's fourth double-digit scorer with 13 points.
London Weilert narrowly missed being the fifth player in double figures. Weilert finished with nine points, including a pair of three-point baskets.
The win snapped a two-game skid by McM, as well.
The War Hawks will get a severe test on Saturday when they host ASC East leader East Texas Baptist University (2 p.m.) at Kimbrell Arena. The Tigers are 4-0 in the ASC (10-1 overall) and own a non-conference win over McM (64-61) earlier this season in Marshall, Texas.
