ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University Men's Basketball escaped with a narrow overtime win over visiting Howard Payne University Thursday night, defeating the Yellow Jackets 98-96 inside Kimbrell Arena.

After a pair of free throws were split by freshman guard Cody LeBlanc, the Yellow Jackets (1-12, 0-4 ASC) had a chance to tie the game in the final seconds. However, the shot rolled off the rim, and the tying tip was ruled just after the buzzer after a lengthy review.

The War Hawks (6-7, 3-1 ASC) took an eight-point lead in the first two minutes of the extra frame, but HPU pulled within one at 97-96 with 12 seconds left. LeBlanc then split the free throws before the final possession. LeBlanc scored six points in the overtime period.

Senior forward Mike Williams Jr. had a career night, scoring 32 points on a scorching 12-of-13 from the field and 8-of-10 from the line. Williams scored 17 points in the second half, including two clutch buckets with McM down four in the final minutes of the second half.

McMurry led by as many as 21 midway through the first half, using a 22-2 run over five minutes. LeBlanc hit three triples during the run, and scored 22 points on the night.

But HPU answered with a 13-0 run over the next three minutes, cutting the lead back to single digits. HPU got within six late in the half as McM held an eight-point advantage at the break.

After the Yellow Jackets pulled within five, McMurry extended the lead back to double digits, using an 11-1 run, highlighted by an alley-oop from junior guard Colin Taylor to senior forward Krishawn Terry. Terry had two alley-oop dunks on the night.

McM led 75-65 with 8:34 left in the game, but the Yellow Jackets went on a 17-3 spurt to take an 82-78 lead, their first since 9-7 at the 17:08 mark of the first half.

Williams put the game in his hands, scoring the next two baskets for the War Hawks, as the seniors helped McM take the game to overtime.

In addition to Williams and LeBlanc, senior guard Zacc Carter added 10 points, and narrowly missed a double-double with nine rebounds. Terry led McM with a game-high 13 boards and also added three blocks.

The War Hawks shot 54.3 percent in the first half and finished at 44.6 percent for the game. Williams helped McM hold a 44-38 edge in points in the paint.

McMurry next takes on Sul Ross State University Saturday at 3 p.m. inside Kimbrell Arena in a battle for first place in the ASC West Division.