ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University Men's Basketball begins the second round of American Southwest Conference West Division play this week, as they look to climb the divisional standings riding a four-game winning streak.
Thursday evening will see the War Hawks take on the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor at 7:30 p.m. before they get a crack at a rematch against Concordia Texas Saturday at 3 p.m. Live stat and video links will be available at mcmurrysports.com.
NOTES:
LAST WEEK: The War Hawks won their only game last week in the Crosstown Showdown, a 75-70 victory at Hardin-Simmons. Mike Williams Jr. scored 23 points to go with 11 rebounds and had the go-ahead dunk with less than a minute remaining.
WEST DIVISION HEATING UP: After winning their last four games, the War Hawks are making a climb in the ASC West Division standings. Currently in fourth at 5-6, the War Hawks sit just one game behind both UMHB and HSU for second and third. Sul Ross State is a game behind McMurry in fifth, while Concordia Texas leads the War Hawks by three games.
WILLIAMS HONORED: Junior forward Mike Williams Jr. was named the ASC Co-West Player of the Week for his performance against HSU. In addition to the double-double of 23 points and 11 boards, he shot 10-of-14 from the floor and picked up three steals and two blocks.
STATISTICAL LEADERS: Williams leads the War Hawks with 14.6 points per game, as well as 7.5 rebounds per game. Junior guard Zacc Carter averages 13.2 points per contest, while sophomore guard Khalil Butler is averaging 10.6 points and 7.0 boards per game.
DEFENSIVE IMPROVEMENT: During the current four game win streak, the War Hawks are allowing only 69.8 points per game, well below their season average of 81.7.
LAST TIME: McMurry split the weekend at Concordia and UMHB three weeks ago. After falling 97-62 to the Tornados, the War Hawks started their current streak with a 75-72 victory over the Cru.
SCOUTING UMHB: Sophomore guard Sam Moore continues to lead the highest scoring offense in the ASC at 20.8 points per game. Senior forward Brian Long averages 17.7 points per game and senior guard Demarius Cress averages 14.7 points per game. Moore is also fourth in the ASC in rebounding at 7.7 per game. The Cru lead the ASC in assists, as well.
SCOUTING CTX: Division leading Concordia boasts the number two scoring offense in the ASC, as senior guard Joe Neal is second in the league in scoring at 22.4 points per game. The Tornados lead the ASC West at 8-3 after defeating Howard Payne and Sul Ross State last weekend. Concordia leads the ASC in steals at 11.2 per game.
