ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University Men's Basketball dropped its first overtime game of the season Thursday night, falling 94-89 to Belhaven University inside Kimbrell Arena. The War Hawks were previously 2-0 in overtime games this season.
The War Hawks (7-13, 4-7 ASC) took an 86-85 lead after a mid-range jumper by freshman guard Cody LeBlanc, but the Blazers (9-11, 6-5 ASC) answered with a three and a free throw to take back the lead.
McMurry pulled back within one on a pair of free throws by LeBlanc, but a three-point play by Belhaven made the game two possessions again. McM was unable to convert on the offensive end, and the Blazers sealed the game at the free throw line.
McM led for much of the game, but found themselves down by four with less than a minute remaining. Senior guard Zacc Carter poked the ball free on the defensive end, and McM drew a flagrant foul on the breakaway.
LeBlanc connected on two free throws, and on the ensuing possession, senior forward Krishawn Terry also knocked down a pair at the line to tie the game. Senior forward Mike Williams Jr. forced a Blazer offensive foul with four seconds left, but LeBlanc's shot at the buzzer caromed off the rim.
LeBlanc, Carter, Terry and Williams all scored in double figures, with LeBlanc and Carter totaling 17 points apiece. Terry scored 16 points to go with nine rebounds, while Williams had a double-double of 15 points and 13 boards.
McMurry led by as many as 14 points in the first half after a Carter dunk, but the Blazers used a 12-2 run over the final three minutes to pull within four at the break.
The War Hawks extended the lead back to double digits in the first five minutes of the second half, but the Blazers battled back and took their first lead at 65-63 with 6:41 remaining. The teams then traded baskets over the final minutes of regulation, keeping the game within one possession until the final minute.
McMurry won the battle on the glass, 46-34, including a 21-9 advantage on the offensive end. That led to 20 second chance points for the War Hawks. McM shot 40.0 percent from the floor, while Belhaven shot 48.3 percent. McM was also 22-for-28 at the charity stripe.
The War Hawks conclude the home portion of their schedule Saturday at 3 p.m. against Louisiana College. McMurry will honor its seniors with a ceremony following the women's contest.
