ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University Men's Basketball couldn't hold on to an early double-digit lead as it was defeated by Louisiana College, 70-60, Saturday afternoon at Kimbrell Arena in an American Southwest Conference matchup.
The War Hawks (3-4, 1-1 ASC) raced out to a 19-6 lead in the opening nine minutes of the game using an 11-0 run. McMurry hit five three-pointers during the stretch, capped by a fadeaway three in the corner by freshman guard Jordan Sherman. Junior guard Trevin Ramirez knocked down both his triples during the run, while sophomore guard Colin Taylor had five points.
But the Wildcats (5-1, 2-0 ASC), who entered the game with the second-best scoring defense in the ASC and led the league in opponent's field goal percentage, flipped a switch defensively and made four consecutive shots, including three three-pointers, embarking on an 11-0 run to get back in the game.
In all, the Wildcats used a 21-2 run to take a 27-21 lead before sophomore guard Khalil Butler made his second three of the game. McMurry trailed 32-31 at the half behind Butler's nine points, and hit 7-of-11 shots from distance in the half.
The War Hawks would try to battle back in a physical second half, but never regained the lead. Louisiana College opened the lead up to double-digits before McMurry got back within six, but the Wildcats would extend the lead to as many as 13 with seven minutes remaining. McMurry made a final push in the final minutes, but could not cut into the Wildcat lead.
The McMurry frontline welcomed the return of senior forward Jordan Jackson from a knee injury, but played without junior forward Mike Williams Jr., who was out with an ankle injury. The Wildcats took advantage with forward Devon Washington, as he scored a game-high 23 points to go along with 10 rebounds.
After connecting on seven shots from distance in the first half, McMurry hit just one three in the second half and was held to just 27.3 percent from the floor in the half. In contrast, the Wildcats shot 61.9 percent from the field in the second half. The Wildcats went to the line 21 times in the second half, but hit on just 11 attempts.
The Wildcat defense held McMurry to just 32.3 percent from the field overall, and 36.4 percent from beyond the arc. Louisiana College shot 46.0 percent from the field and 35.0 percent from distance. The Wildcats forced McM turnovers, while having 17 themselves.
Taylor led the War Hawks' offense with 14 points, collecting six rebounds and dishing out four assists, as well. Butler and junior guard Zacc Carter each finished with 11 points. Carter added six boards, with Butler and Ramirez each with a team-high seven.
McMurry heads back on the road to continue ASC play Monday, when it visits the University of the Ozarks at 7:30 p.m.
