ABILENE, Texas – After getting a few nonconference games under their belt to begin the season, McMurry University Men's Basketball opens American Southwest Conference action this week at Kimbrell Arena. Prior to welcoming in the ASC season, the War Hawks will hit the road to Southwestern University Monday night.
Tipoff for the War Hawks' matchup tonight with the Pirates is at 7 p.m. before McMurry hosts ASC foes Belhaven University Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and Louisiana College 3 p.m. Saturday afternoon. The games Thursday and Saturday will follow the women's games as part of ASC doubleheaders.
Live stat and video links will be available at mcmurrysports.com.
NOTES:
Last Week: McMurry dropped its first two home games of the season, falling to Schreiner University, 92-80, Friday night before dropping the finale, 79-56 against Texas Lutheran University Saturday.
ASC Poll: With ASC play opening this week, the War Hawks are out to prove the voters wrong, as they were picked to finish sixth in the ASC West Division.
Crashing the Glass: McMurry ranks second in the ASC in offensive rebounds, averaging 13.5 per game. Junior forward Mike Williams Jr. ranks fifth in the ASC with 7.3 boards per game and second in offensive boards at 3.3.
Balanced Attack: Three War Hawks are averaging double figures in scoring, with junior guard Zacc Carter leading the way at 14.8 points per game. Williams averages 13.5 points per game while senior forward Jordan Jackson adds 13.3 points per contest.
ASC Opener: The War Hawks have won their last six ASC openers. McMurry competed against the ASC in 2015-16, but none of the games counted in the ASC standings.
About Southwestern: The Pirates come into the game with a 3-2 record, with all five games against ASC opponents. Junior guard Joel Martinez and junior forward Brandon Alexander lead the Pirates with 13.2 points per game, while Alexander grabs a team-leading 6.2 rebounds per game. The War Hawks lead the all-time series, 37-13, with the teams splitting the last two meetings.
About Belhaven: Belhaven enters the week with a 1-2 record. Junior guard Rick Hodum tops the Blazers' offense with 10.7 points per game, while freshman guard Laramie Long chips in 10.0 points per game. McMurry has won the last two meetings, and is 2-1 against the Blazers since they joined the ASC.
About Louisiana College: The Wildcats are 3-1 on the young season, and will visit Hardin-Simmons University Thursday before taking on the War Hawks. Senior forward Devon Washington leads the Wildcats' offense with 14.0 points per game from the low post, while also leading the team with 6.8 boards per contest. The Wildcats also rank first in the ASC in scoring defense and opponent's field goal percentage. McMurry has won the last to contests with the Wildcats.
