ABILENE, Texas – A second half 54 percent shooting effort was not enough to overcome a slow McMurry start, as the Hardin-Simmons men's basketball team dropped the War Hawks 89-69 on Saturday in Kimbrell Arena.

McMurry (10-15, 7-9 ASC) held an early 8-4 advantage, before the Cowboys (15-10, 10-6 ASC) embarked on a 31-4 run to open up a 35-12 advantage with under three minutes to play in the period. While the War Hawks had a difficult time finding their rhythm in the opening stanza, HSU netted 56 percent of their field goal attempts in the first 20 minutes.

The second half was a much more productive one for McMurry, as they netted 19-of-35 field goals in the half. However, the Cowboys' first half advantage was more than the War Hawks could overcome.

Zacc Carter led McMurry with 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting. Elijah Johnson chipped in with 13 of his own, while Shakur Smith tallied 12. The Cowboys were paced by Jalen Terry's 17 points and nine rebounds. Keenan Holdman added 13 for HSU.

The game marked the final home contest for McMurry seniors Smith and Jordan Jackson. McMurry will return to action on Thursday night in the opening round of the ASC Conference Tournament. They will square off against tournament host, and top seed, UT Dallas at 7:30 p.m.