SEGUIN, Texas – McMurry University Men's Basketball returned to action after 15 days off Thursday evening, but was defeated 72-59 on the road at Texas Lutheran University.
Despite a career night from sophomore guard Khalil Butler, the War Hawks (4-6) couldn't keep pace with the Bulldogs (6-5). McMurry was within six points at 55-49 with 8:53 remaining on a layup by senior forward Jordan Jackson, but TLU used a 17-5 run over the next 7:50 to extend the lead to as many as 18 points.
Jackson finished with a game-high 20 points, as the War Hawks got 49 of their 59 points from just three players. In addition to his 18 points, Butler recorded his first career double-double by grabbing a career-high 12 rebounds. In addition to Jackson and Butler, junior guard Trevin Ramirez added 11 points. Jackson was 8-of-14 from the floor while Butler was 7-of-13.
The War Hawks jumped out to a quick 7-2 lead before the teams traded leads for the next 12 minutes. TLU would take control at the five-minute mark of the first half, and led by eight at the break. The Bulldogs extended the lead to as many as 13 before the War Hawks cut the deficit to six numerous times in the second half.
McMurry played without leading rebounder and second leading scorer Mike Williams Jr., who was out with a hand injury. Junior Zacc Carter, who came in averaging 17.3 points per game, was held to just four points on 1-of-6 shooting.
Averaging 14.0 offensive rebounds per contest, the War Hawks only recorded five offensive boards as the Bulldogs won the battle on the glass, 41-38. Each team corralled 33 defensive boards. TLU had an 11-5 advantage in second chance point.
Both teams shot less than 40 percent from the floor, as the War Hawks were held to 38.2 percent including just 18.8 percent from behind the arc. The Bulldogs got many contributions from their second unit, with a 20-6 margin in bench points.
McMurry remains on the road for another Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference rematch, as the War Hawks are set to take on Schreiner University Friday at 4 p.m.
