ABILENE, Texas -  McMurry University's women's basketball team had its 2018-19 debut spoiled at home, falling by an 86-52 score to NCAA Division III No. 12/14-rated East Texas Baptist University at Kimbrell Arena. The War Hawks (0-1) never led, as the nationally-ranked Tigers (1-0) took control wire-to-wire.
 
ETBU held a 26-13 lead after one period and 44-31 at the half. The Tigers upped that margin to 67-42 through three quarters.
 
The youthful McM squad was unable to keep the experienced ETBU team – which reached last year's NCAA III Elite Eight and won the ASC tournament – in check, as the Tigers produced 35 points off turnovers and held a 46-24 margin on points in the paint. McMurry was out-scored, 52-19, for bench points.
 
The War Hawks shot 39 percent (19-49) from the floor and 3-for-12 (25 percent) from beyond the arc. Conversely, the Tigers were 33-of-66 from the field (50 percent) and 25 percent (5-12) from three-point range. ETBU held a slight edge in rebounds, 36-30, for the night.
 
The War Hawks offense was led by freshman Savannah Johnson. Johnson had 11 points in her collegiate debut, hitting 3-of-4 from the floor and 5-of-8 from the line. She also grabbed four rebounds, had one blocks and one steal.
 
Returner London Weilert chipped in seven points and a game-high four assists. Junior Skyler Reyna was held to six points, but managed a game-leading seven rebounds.
 
Four players – Dominique Machuca, Jaymi Gordon-Deans, Chyna Washington and Brittany Rodgers – each garnered five points, apiece. Isabel Carrion contributed four points, five rebounds and three assists. Autumn Johnson also had four points.
 
The War Hawks will take to the road this weekend for a pair of games versus NCAA Division I foes. On Saturday (Nov. 10), McM will travel to Lamar University for a 7:30 p.m. exhibition contest. Then on Sunday (Nov. 11/4 p.m.), the War Hawks will face Houston Baptist University.