ABILENE, Texas – Abilene's crosstown showdown took center stage inside the Mabee Complex on Monday night, as McMurry University ran out of time in a close road loss to crosstown rival Hardin-Simmons, 85-79.

With the raging McMurry crowd in maroon and the HSU fans in white, the American Southwest Conference rivals traded blows throughout the night with 12 lead changes and the score tied seven times.

The younger War Hawks (7-11, 5-8 ASC) pulled within two at 81-79 with 19 seconds to go, but the veteran Cowboys (13-5, 9-4 ASC) would hang on with four free throws and a pair of stops at the other end.

Both teams shot 15-31 in the first half for 48.4 percent, but HSU would have the more efficient attack in the second half at 13-23 (56.5 percent). Meanwhile, McMurry had quantity in its favor, going 14-37 in the final frame for just under 38 percent. The War Hawks out-rebounded their rival 42-28, including an 18-6 advantage on the offensive boards.

The sophomore tandem of guard CJ LeBlanc and forward Michael Imariagbe combined for 43 points, with each sinking nine buckets. LeBlanc led with 22 points, including a 3-9 showing behind the arc. Imariagbe added 21 with eight rebounds.

Fellow sophomore TJ Hilliard contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds for a double-double – his third of the season. His rebounds were a game-high, as he was the only player on the floor with double figures.

Hardin-Simmons was led by its three seniors, including Chase Cobb with 28 points and Kyle Brennon and Steven Quinn with 15 points each.

The War Hawks open the month of February with an opportunity at revenge as they face University of the Ozarks on Thursday, Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Clarksville, Ark.