STEPHENVILLE, Texas – McMurry Women's Basketball gained valuable experience against a high-profile opponent on Tuesday, falling to Tarleton State in exhibition action by a final of 82-47 inside Wisdom Gym in Stephenville.

For McMurry (7-2, 0-1), Tuesday's game will not count against the team's overall record. The win does count for Tarleton State (7-4, 1-4), an NCAA Division II member and future NCAA Division I member starting July 2020.

The War Hawks were competitive in the first half, taking a 23-22 lead midway through the second quarter behind the hot hand of senior guard Sarah Doherty. Doherty finished with 14 points, including 11 in the first half.

Trailing 38-28 at the break, McMurry jumped out of the gates in the third quarter to pull within five, 41-36, with 6:17 showing on the clock. Following a called timeout, the Texans went on a 16-0 run and allowed just one McM basket for the remainder of the period en route to victory.

McMurry had nine scorers and 11 players with at least one rebound, as all 16 players that dressed played at least five minutes. Doherty's 14 points led the team.

Additionally, freshman post Cassidy Melton matched a career-best with 12 points. The double-digit effort was her third this season and second in the last two games.

The War Hawks will now turn their attention to two important home conference games later this week, including LeTourneau on Thursday, Jan. 2 at 5:30 p.m. and East Texas Baptist on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 1 p.m.

Saturday's contest will be Fellowship of Christian Athletes game night, where FCA groups will receive free admission to both the women's and men's games with valid identification.