PLAINVIEW, Texas – Junior guard Colin Taylor hit a go-ahead three pointer in the right corner with 30 seconds left, but Oklahoma Panhandle State knocked down a pair of free throws after a loose ball foul to take the win in a neutral site exhibition opener for McMurry University Men's Basketball.

Trailing 79-77, senior forward Mike Williams Jr. found Taylor in the corner for the triple. But the Aggies sank a pair of free throws on the next possession and added a free throw in the final seconds for the end tally.

Despite not getting their first basket until the 13:29 mark of the first half, the War Hawks eventually opened up a 10-point lead, their largest of the game.

Freshman guard Cody LeBlanc stepped up big in the half, connecting from behind the arc on three straight possessions. He hit four triples in the half, and finished tied for the team high with 16 points.

Junior guard Khalil Butler was effective from long range, as well, going 4-for-7 from distance, also finishing with 16 points. Butler hit a three late to give McMurry a 77-74 advantage. Overall, the War Hawks converted 12 of their 29 three point attempts.

The Aggies went to the line 40 times against McM, but only converted 57.5 percent of the time. The War Hawks went 18-for-24 from the charity stripe, led by a 5-for-5 effort from senior guard Dedrick Berry Jr.

Taylor gave McMurry three players in double figures, finishing with 10 points on 3-of-3 shooting, including 2-for-2 from three and the free throw line.

Junior forward Sherack Malokwu paced the War Hawks with seven rebounds, while Williams added six boards and four points. Senior forward Krishawn Terry and sophomore guard Jordan Sherman each added eight points apiece.

The War Hawks continue their exhibition slate Friday when they take on host Wayland Baptist University at 8 p.m.