ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University Women's Basketball went toe-to-toe with undefeated East Texas Baptist on Thursday evening, but were unable to keep up in the second half of a 76-59 loss at Kimbrell Arena.

McMurry (0-2) took an early 10-6 lead at the first media timeout, but ETBU (7-0) went on a 16-0 run to take a commanding lead at the first quarter break. The War Hawks would not back down, pulling within four points early in the third quarter, 38-34. The Tigers would prove to be too much the rest of the way, using an 18-2 run to pull away in the third.

The War Hawks were led by Destiny Mathews for the second straight game with 16 points and nine rebounds. Taya Bridges and Trinity Meador had double-digit scoring games for the second straight contest, adding 15 points and 12 points, respectively.

Bridges also played a key factor in other aspects of the game, drawing a game-high six fouls from her opponents and shooting a perfect 6-6 mark at the charity stripe.

ETBU utilized its depth to the maximum, using wave subs most of the contest and finishing with 42 bench points. McMurry had eight points from its bench, getting most of its production from the starting five.

McMurry also took a step forward defensively, holding ETBU to its lowest point total since Piedmont College (71 points) on November 8. The Tigers came into tonight averaging 79.8 points per game, falling just short of that mark against the War Hawks.

Tonight's game will not count toward either team's American Southwest Conference record, but will count as a regular season non-conference contest.

McMurry has a quick two-day turnaround before wrapping up the calendar year, as the team travels to Louisiana College for a Saturday showdown at noon. The game will be played on the campus of LSU-Alexandria.