BROWNWOOD, Texas – McMurry Women's Basketball went to overtime for the second time this season on Saturday, but its game-winning shot fell short for a heartbreaking 85-83 loss inside Brownwood Coliseum.
Tied 74-74 after 40 minutes, the two American Southwest Conference rivals went back and forth. The final seconds made all the difference, as Howard Payne (4-12, 2-9 ASC) scored a layup with six seconds remaining to take a 83-81 lead.
The War Hawks (0-14,0-9 ASC) took a quick timeout and inbounded at its own end, as Emily Holland connected with a crashing Destiny Mathews on the inbound for the game-tying layup. HPU took another quick timeout, allowing Elaina Buchanan to get under the basket and roll in the go-ahead layup to make it 85-83.
Out of timeouts, Valery Alvarado rushed down the court and heaved one near the half court line as time expired, but her shot ran out of juice and fell short.
McMurry had a strong first half with 38 points, thanks to 14 points from Holland. The freshman went 5-6 from the floor in the half, including 4-4 behind the arc. Mathews added nine points and six rebounds in the first half alone.
Howard Payne regained the lead in the third quarter – outscoring McMurry 20-11 – but the resilient War Hawks battled back to take a 57-56 advantage with 7:28 to go in the fourth quarter. Later, HPU went back ahead 72-68 with 1:25 to go, but McMurry continued battling. Alvarado hit a clutch three-pointer to pull within one, then later made a layup to regain the lead. HPU tied it back up with free throws, forcing an entertaining overtime.
McMurry set new season bests in points and field goals made, finishing 33-67 from the field for 49.3 percent shooting. The team also shot 7-16 behind the arc to tie a season high.
Mathews led the team with a game-high 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Holland added 19 points and six rebounds. Alvarado and junior guard D'Asia White also had double-digit scoring games, with the former scoring 13 points and the latter scoring 11. Taya Bridges also had seven points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Offensive rebounding was a key factor in the War Hawks' success throughout the game, owning a distinct 15-3 advantage in that category. McMurry outrebounded HPU 46-27. Despite their bench being held scoreless, the Yellow Jackets were able to overcome the odds with 17-23 shooting at the free throw line.
The War Hawks return home to Kimbrell Arena on Thursday, Jan. 20 against Belhaven. Opening tip is set for 5:30 p.m.
