AUSTIN, Texas – McMurry Men's Basketball has developed an affinity for dramatic games, forcing overtime for the second time in three games and earning a 114-111 win over Concordia Texas on Thursday in Austin.
The Cardiac War Hawks trailed 101-99 with seven seconds left in regulation. The inbounds play was drawn up for Matt Pena – who made a three-pointer on the same play moments before this one – but he missed the go-ahead shot. Michael Imariagbe got the rebound and tied the game at the buzzer, pulling up and banking it in with less than a second to go.
McMurry – who had a record-breaking night at the free throw line – went 11-14 from the charity stripe in overtime and took a 114-111 lead before Concordia's final possession. The Tornados inbounded and had a good look behind the arc, but the turnaround jumper missed off the back iron and McMurry secured the road win.
Despite not leading until overtime, the War Hawks improved to 7-9 overall and 5-6 in the American Southwest Conference. Concordia Texas moves to 8-7 overall and 5-6 in the ASC. McMurry has now won three straight games against Concordia Texas, taking both matchups this season.
As a team, McMurry broke the ASC record for free throws made by going 50-58 from the line – which equates to 86.2 percent. The previous record was set by Ozarks at 48 in 2016. McMurry's previous record was 44 set both in 1968 and 2003.
Senior guard Remy Minor had a big night, scoring a career-high 38 points and setting a new school and conference record for free throws made and attempted in a game. He finished 26-28, breaking the previous records of 21 and 25, respectively. Connor Robinson previously had those records for McMurry by going 20-23 against Concordia in 2014.
Minor's record night did not end there, as he also set a new career-high with seven rebounds and a season-high with seven assists.
Outside of his heart-stopping buzzer beater, Imariagbe also had a memorable night. Staying out of foul trouble, the sophomore big played 42 minutes and grabbed 20 rebounds – both career highs. To boot, he added 23 points to secure his seventh double-double of the season.
Three other players scored double figures, including Elias Garcia with 17 points and 15 rebounds for a well-balanced double-double. Pena added 13 points, going 3-9 behind the arc, while Rob Charles added 12 points.
Though McMurry had a sizable advantage at the line, Concordia Texas took the lead early with strong shooting and finished 41-82 for 50.0 percent. McMurry went 30-74 for 40.5 percent, but doubled CTX on made free throws (50-25). Both teams had four triples.
McMurry also had an advantage on the boards, 55-42, including 23 offensive rebounds. Garcia and Imariagbe each had eight offensive boards.
The War Hawks are now 5-2 in road games and 2-1 in overtime games – both overtime wins coming on the road. The team looks to keep their road success alive on Saturday at 3 p.m. against Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas.
