ABILENE, Texas – Senior forward
LaRandall Scroggins scored the first eight points of the game to reach his 1,000th career point and the McMurry University men's basketball team dispatched of visiting Howard Payne University, 83-80, in an American Southwest Conference bout at Kimbrell Arena. With the victory, the War Hawks upped their record to 8-14 (6-9 in the ASC), while the Yellow Jackets fell to 8-14 (4-10 ASC).
Scroggins canned a pair of three point baskets in less than 75 seconds of action, putting him within a single basket of reaching the 1,000-point plateau. Then, with 18:16 left in the first half, Scroggins took a perfect pass on a fast break from
Luke Stephenson, took one step and dunked the ball to become the 29th member of McMurry's 1,000-point club.
Stephenson not only set up Scroggins' big basket, but also had a pretty fair night against the Yellow Jackets himself. Stephenson had a double-double of 25 points and10 rebounds, the War Hawks' leader in scoring and game leader on the glass. Stephenson went 6-for-13 from the floor, - draining 5-of-7 from three-point range – and went a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line.
For his part, Scroggins ended his evening with 18 points, after a 7-for-13 shooting effort. Scroggins grabbed six rebounds and had three assists, as well.
Mike Williams Jr. was McM's third double-figure scorer, booking 15 points. Williams also snared six rebounds in his 25 minutes of court time.
Freshman
Elijah Johnson and sophomore transfer
Dedrick Berry Jr. each contributed seven points. Berry had a game-high eight assists and pulled down five rebounds, as well. Berry made good on three of four free throws in the final 14 seconds of the game to provide the difference for McM.
Neither team was able to create much separation during the night. HPU's largest lead was three points and McMurry held a nine-point cushion with just over 16 minutes left to play, 52-43. In the final five minutes alone, the Yellow Jackets were within a single possession of the War Hawks, only to have McMurry thwart each attempt.
The War Hawks will close out the home portion of its season on Saturday (Feb. 10/4 p.m.), hosting ASC West leader Sul Ross State University.
