JACKSON, Miss. – McMurry University never trailed in its American Southwest Conference road game at Belhaven on Friday night, but had to fight off a late comeback attempt en route to a heart-throbbing 86-83 win in the Mississippi capital.
The War Hawks improve to a 3-10 overall record and a 3-7 record in ASC play, with all three wins coming on the road. Belhaven drops to 3-7 overall and 2-6 in conference games.
McMurry got off to its hottest start of the season with a huge lead at the first media timeout, 14-3. Freshman Matt Pena was a huge part in that early run, sinking three treys within the first four minutes. Pena played all 40 minutes for his first complete game, totaling 18 points on a 6-12 night behind the arc.
The War Hawks led by as many as 27 points in the first half, ahead 36-9, thanks to a 15-0 run. Freshman Michael Imariagbe started the run with two emphatic dunks, stealing the momentum straight away from the home team. At the other end, McMurry forced five turnovers within the run to slow down the Blazers. McM finished with 25 points off turnovers.
Imariagbe finished the game with a game-high and career-high 24 points, dominating the post with 11-15 field goals made. He also attempted one three-pointer and sinked it. Imariagbe added three steals, three assists and seven rebounds, while avoiding his fifth foul to remain in the game.
The second half, though, was a completely different story.
Trailing the whole way, Belhaven began to inch back slowly with short spurts and found itself with a single-digit deficit with 8:28 remaining. With a raucous home crowd engaged, BU pulled within three points at 80-77 with 3:31 to go.
McMurry did not give in, clinging to its game-long lead ahead just one possession. Down 84-83 with 1:00 to go, Belhaven attempted a couple of go-ahead baskets, but could not get one through. The closest moment came right under the rim on a layup from Luke Couch, but he scraped the front iron and Remy Minor secured the rebound.
Minor then drew a flagrant foul and stretched the lead another point with a free throw. With possession staying with McMurry, Belhaven was forced to foul and missed its final three-point attempt to fall.
Minor was another standout performer for McMurry, racking up 15 points to go with five assists. Though only scoring three points, junior Jordan Sherman was also a big contributor with a team-high eight rebounds – helping McMurry win the rebound advantage, 35-20.
Junior transfer Craig Jordan had his breakout game as the newest member of the War Hawks, appearing for just the fourth time this season. He scored eight points as a primary paint presence, while playing a season-high 17 minutes off the bench.
As a team, McMurry shot an even .500 with 33-66 field goals made. McMurry also made 9-20 behind the arc. On the other end, Belhaven finished 26-58 from the floor and 10-32 from downtown.
BU made 21-24 free throws to hang around, while McMurry shot 11-20 from the line.
McMurry will play one last road exhibition against NCAA DI Tarleton State next Tuesday, Feb. 9, before playing its final six regular season games in Abilene. Tip-off from Stephenville, Texas is scheduled for 6 p.m.
