BELTON, Texas – McMurry Men's Basketball participated in the American Southwest Conference Quarterfinal on Thursday, falling to crosstown rival Hardin-Simmons in a competitive matchup, 89-79.

McMurry was the early aggressor, taking a 19-12 lead midway into the frame, but a strong end to the first half allowed HSU to take the lead for good. Despite the loss, the War Hawks remained in striking distance nearly the whole way.

The Cowboys finished the first half on a 10-0 run to go ahead 42-32 at the break. HSU came out equally strong in the second half, forcing McMurry to call timeout less than two minutes in to regroup. From there, the momentum began shifting maroon.

Right around the 10:00 mark, Remy Minor drew a charge and made a layup on the ensuing possession, pulling the War Hawks back within five at 64-59. McMurry kept it close the rest of the way, but never recaptured the lead.

One moment that stood out in McMurry's comeback efforts was a four-point play by sophomore CJ LeBlanc to make it 85-79 with 1:07 to go. LeBlanc was hacked on a three-point jumper, but swished it anyway and made the bonus free throw.  

Sophomore Michael Imariagbe led McMurry with an inspired effort, posting 24 points and nine rebounds in 31 minutes. He shot 10-16 from the field and made his only three-point attempt before fouling out with 2:58 to go.

LeBlanc added 15 points, while Matt Pena chipped in 12. The pair combined to go 5-10 behind the arc, as McMurry finished an even 7-14 on three-pointers. TJ Hilliard also had a three-pointer and made some key plays in the last-ditch effort, finishing with 10 points.

Hardin-Simmons was led by all-conference hopeful Steven Quinn with 22 points.

The Cowboys advance to the semifinal round to face the winner of LeTourneau and Sul Ross State. McMurry wraps up its season with a 9-15 overall record and a 7-11 record in the conference.