ABILENE, Texas – After a competitive, back-and-forth three quarters with its cross-town rival, the McMurry women's basketball team failed to keep pace in the fourth quarter of a 71-56 loss to Hardin-Simmons in Kimbrell Arena on Thursday night.

The teams traded blows most of the contest, as the lead changed 20 times over the span of three quarters. Tied 17-17 after the first quarter and 35-35 at the half, HSU (13-4, 7-1 American Southwest Conference) possessed a 49-47 lead heading into the final period.

The Cowgirls went on a 22-9 run the rest of the way, shooting 9-16 on field goals in the final period for 56.3 percent.

Following shooting woes behind the arc in its last two games, McMurry (9-7, 2-6 ASC) started hot with three straight triples…two from senior Sarah Doherty and one from fellow senior Skyler Reyna. Unfortunately, the hot hands would not last as McMurry finished 5-21 from three-point land.

The War Hawks found success in the post from freshman Destiny Mathews, who netted a team-high 19 points and 14 rebounds. The double-double was her second in the last three games and her fourth on the year. Two of her four double-doubles have been against HSU.

Doherty finished the day with 14 points and three assists, while Reyna added 11 points and seven rebounds. Freshman Cassidy Melton also contributed six points.

McMurry finished 21-61 from the floor for 34.4 percent, while Hardin-Simmons turned on the jets late to finish 25-59 for 42.4 percent. HSU went 7-24 behind the arc for 29.2 percent.

Parris Parmer led Hardin-Simmons with a game-high 27 points.

The War Hawks will play its final non-conference game on the road next week as they face Arlington Baptist University on Tuesday, Jan. 28. Tipoff from Arlington is set for 5 p.m.