ODESSA, Texas – Freshman guard Cody LeBlanc scored a career-high 27 points as McMurry University Men's Basketball took NCAA II foe UT Permian Basin down to the wire Tuesday night, but came up short, 101-88, at the Falcon Dome.
The War Hawks went toe-to-toe with the Falcons, trading the lead 14 times. McM was within 89-85 with just under four minutes remaining, but the Falcons were able to close the game out at the line.
McM shot 15-of-37 from beyond the arc, the most threes made in a game this season. LeBlanc went 6-for-11 from distance while guards Dedrick Berry Jr. and Khalil Butler each made three triples.
Many of the lead changes came early in the second half, including a dunk by senior forward Mike Williams Jr. to give McM a 68-67 advantage. UTPB would answer with a 7-0 run, but threes by Butler and LeBlanc tied the game back up at 74.
However, the Falcons used another 7-0 run before a LeBlanc three, and led by as many as nine with six and a half minutes to go. A layup by Williams and free throws by LeBlanc and junior guard Colin Taylor brought McM back within 89-85.
UTPB made a living at the charity stripe, connecting on 31-of-37 free throw attempts. McMurry had one of its best outings at the line, as well, shooting 19-for-21.
LeBlanc hit four threes in the first half, leading the War Hawks with 15 points at the break. Williams contributed 14 points and six boards in the opening half.
McM fell behind by seven multiple times in the first half, but never wavered against the Falcons. The War Hawks answered each UTPB basket, and took their first lead at 32-31 on a LeBlanc free throw.
All 27 of LeBlanc's points came from beyond the arc or at the line. Williams added 18 points and eight boards for the contest. Butler and Taylor scored 11 and 10 points, respectively. Taylor also dished out six of the team's 19 assists.
Overall, the War Hawks shot 43.5 percent from the field. McM held a distinct advantage in bench points behind LeBlanc, outscoring the Falcons 41-21 in that category. The War Hawks scored 25 points off turnovers, 24 points in the paint and had 23 fast break points.
McMurry will return home to Kimbrell Arena December 3 to host Southwestern University, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m. following the McM women's matchup.
