GEORGETOWN, Texas – McMurry University Men's Basketball used a 12-2 run late in the second half to pick up a road nonconference victory Monday night, defeating Southwestern University, 97-92.
Trailing 80-76 with eight minutes remaining, McMurry went on a 12-2 run over the next six minutes to take the lead for good and hold off the Pirates (3-3). Junior guard Trevin Ramirez got the run started with a layup, and it was capped with a jumper by junior guard Zacc Carter.
Southwestern made it a three-point game with a minute remaining, but a three by sophomore guard Khalil Butler with 26 seconds left sealed the victory for the War Hawks (2-3). Butler finished the game with a career-high 21 points by going 7-for-9 from the field, including 5-of-6 from distance. He also grabbed six rebounds and dished out four assists.
McMurry jumped out front early, leading by as many as 13 in the first half. However, the Pirates battled back, using a 21-6 run to take the lead, and held a 53-47 advantage at the break.
It was now the War Hawk's turn to battle back, as a Butler triple would put the War Hawks back in front at 68-66. The teams traded places once again, before the War Hawks went on their game-clinching run. McMurry outscored Southwestern 50-39 in the second half.
Junior forward Mike Williams Jr. narrowly missed a double-double, finishing with game-highs of 23 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Carter chipped in 18 points, as the trio of Carter, Butler and Williams combined for 62 of the 97 points. The Pirates had six players score in double figures. Ramirez added 11 points.
The War Hawks shot a blistering 57.6 percent from the field in the second half, en route to shooting 50.7 percent from the floor overall. McMurry made a season-high 13 shots from behind the arc on 30 attempts.
The defensive intensity picked up in the second half, as the Pirates made only 27.3 percent of their three-point attempts in the half after knocking down eight in the first half. McMurry forced 17 turnovers on the evening, leading to a 25-9 edge in points off turnovers and 12-2 in fast break points.
With more than half the nonconference schedule behind them, the War Hawks will now shift into American Southwest Conference play this week, as Belhaven University pays a visit to Kimbrell Arena Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
