ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University remained in striking distance for most of its men's basketball contest against Mary Hardin-Baylor on Saturday, but second half foul trouble caught up to the War Hawks in a 94-84 loss inside Kimbrell Arena.

With McMurry leading 41-40 at the half, the Cru opened the second frame on an 8-0 run. From there, McMurry played catchup the rest of the way and was unable to regain the lead despite only being down two possessions with 1:29 remaining.

The War Hawks were led by senior guard Khalil Butler, who scored 25 points to match a career high. Unfortunately for McMurry, Butler's impact was missed in the final minutes as he fouled out with 2:48 remaining. He also led the team with seven rebounds and went 5-9 from three-point land.

After struggling in the second half last night against Sul Ross, McMurry turned things around in tonight's second half by shooting 18-35 (51.4 percent) from the floor, but went 4-16 (25.0 percent) from behind the arc.

Free throws were the difference maker for UMHB, sinking 21-33 for the game and 16-26 in the second half. The War Hawks, despite making more field goals, only made 11 trips to the line, sinking eight.

Many of McMurry's newcomers emerged with productive games, including junior guard Remy Minor with 22 points and six rebounds in a game-high 32 minutes of action. Freshman forward Michael Imariagbe scored 10 points and helped slow down UMHB defensively while on the court with a +1 plus/minus rating.

Another freshman, Matt Pena, sank three of his four treys for nine points, while junior guard Jordan Sherman had 10 points. Seven War Hawks recorded more than one rebound.

For the Cru, Josiah Johnson led the way with 26 points, while Carson Hammond ended with 21. The duo combined to go 7-13 from downtown, sparking the team's momentum throughout the contest.

McMurry returns to action next Saturday with a cross-town matchup at Hardin-Simmons. Tip-off on December 5 is scheduled for 3 p.m. in the Mabee Complex.