ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University men's basketball saw its second half rally fall short versus American Southwest Conference West Division leader Sul Ross State University, losing by a 76-57 score at Kimbrell Arena.  The loss dropped the War Hawks to 8-15 (6-10 ASC), while the Lobos improved to 18-5 (13-2 ASC).
 
McM found itself in a hole early, as Sul Ross shot nearly 50 percent from the field in the first half, building a 44-30 cushion by the intermission.
 
But the War Hawks came out of the locker room a rejuvenated squad. McMurry held the Lobos scoreless the first 6:10 minutes of the half to climb to within a single basket, 44-42. With 11:22 left to play, McMurry was within a single point, 48-47, after a Shakur Smith three-ball.
 
That would be as close as the hosts would get. SRSU finished the game by out-scoring the War Hawks, 28-10.
 
Sophomore Mike Williams Jr. led all scorers with 25 points. Williams shot a blistering 12-of-19 from the field. He also snared nine rebounds and had a pair of steals.
 
Fellow sophomore Luke Stephenson was the team's only other double-digit scorer, booking 12 points and hauling in seven rebounds. Stephenson was 4-for-9 from the floor shooting, including a pair of treys.
 
Senior LaRandall Scroggins tallied seven points, six rebounds and three steals in his Kimbrell Arena swansong. Fellow senior Aaron Gettys chipped in six points, three rebounds and two steals.
 
Smith finished with three points. Dedrick Berry Jr. and Zacc Carter each had two points to round out the War Hawks scoring.
 
McMurry will travel to Ecclesia College in Springdale, Ark., for a non-conference match-up on Monday (Feb. 12/5 p.m.).