JACKSON, Miss. – McMurry University Women's Basketball took Belhaven to the final horn in Jackson Miss. on Friday night, but were unable to steal its first win on the road in a 70-67 setback to the Blazers.
Down by as many as 14 points in the second half, McMurry (0-12, 0-8) slowly pulled back within three with under a minute to go. Sophomore Destiny Mathews scored nine straight points to aid the comeback bid, including a clutch three-point basket to make it 68-65 with 45 seconds to go.
After Belhaven (4-7, 2-5) converted one of two free throws at the other end to make it 69-65, sophomore Kaitlyn Randall cleaned up a missed three-point attempt with an offensive rebound and put-back. Belhaven was fouled at the other end and made one free throw to go back up 70-67, setting up the final possession.
Taya Bridges had the last touch with under three seconds to go, but her game-tying three pointer hit off the back of the rim as time expired.
Mathews led all scorers with 19 points on the night, while also pulling in a team-best nine rebounds. Junior guard Aubrey Guerra also approached a double-double with 11 points and eight rebounds. Sophomore Sidney McHenry added 10 points in the setback.
The War Hawks, who have now played nine of its first 12 games on the road, provided an early scare in the first half with four three-point baskets and an early first-quarter advantage.
The Blazers, who came in looking to snap a three game losing skid, made ground right before halftime with a 9-0 run. The run was capped at the buzzer with a three-pointer by Kortne Lee just inside half court. The half finished with eight lead changes.
McMurry had the shooting advantage with 28-69 made field goals, but were harmed at the line with a 4-11 clip. Belhaven finished 27-72 from the floor and shot 12-21 at the charity stripe. The War Hawks also finished 7-27 behind the arc, while Belhaven struggled at 4-25 downtown.
McMurry returns home next week to face Howard Payne on Thursday, Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m. Kimbrell Arena will be opened at a limited capacity.
