ABILENE, Texas – McMurry Women's Basketball was tied with American Southwest Conference rival Howard Payne after three quarters on Thursday, but outscored the Yellow Jackets 30-19 in the fourth to earn an 88-77 home win inside Kimbrell Arena.

McMurry (3-19, 2-14 ASC) shot 29-58 from the floor for an even 50.0 percent, posting a new season-high for scoring.

Juniors Destiny Mathews and Valery Alvarado had a big hand in the effort, combining for half the team's points. Mathews finished with 24 points, while Alvarado added a career-high 20 points – 10 of which came from the free throw line. She went 10-16 from the stripe, helping ice the game in the final quarter.

There were eight lead changes and the score was tied 12 times, as the War Hawks and Yellow Jackets (4-22, 2-17 ASC) were tied after the first quarter at 15-15 and the third quarter at 58-58. HPU took a five point lead at the halftime break, using a three-pointer at the buzzer.

McMurry took the lead for good with 6:49 remaining, as Taya Bridges made a layup to make it 67-65. Alvarado had the hot hand from that point on, scoring 13 points in the final seven minutes.

Seven other players scored for the War Hawks, including freshman Emily Holland with 13 points and a team-high four assists. Bridges and sophomore Kylee Smith added eight apiece, while Vanessa Wharton chipped in a pair of treys for six points. Mathews led with nine rebounds.

McMurry looks to end its season on a high note Saturday as it welcomes Sul Ross to Kimbrell Arena at 1 p.m. After the game, McMurry will hold senior day to celebrate Trinity Meador, Azallee Johnson and Dehje Belmore.