MARSHALL, TEXAS – It took every bit of a 40-30 second-half stretch by the home team to foil a gritty effort by visiting McMurry University Saturday, Jan. 21.
 
Despite trailing 11-2 in the early stages of the first period, head coach Drew Long's War Hawks got up off the mat and settled in for a nip-and-tuck battle at East Texas Baptist University's Ornelas Gym. The Maroon, Black, and White closed to within two (33-31) at halftime and held a slight advantage in the third quarter. ETBU finally locked up the home triumph with a 17-3 run from midway through the third period to the same portion of the final stanza.
 
Sophomore guard Emily Holland (Mansfield, Texas) wrapped up a 49-point road trip to LeTourneau and ETBU with 21 due mainly to hitting four three-point baskets. Senior forward/center Destiny Mathews (Palestine, Texas) added 16 points and six rebounds. Freshman guard/forward Aryana Cleveland (San Antonio, Texas) had an impressive afternoon with 11 points, seven rebounds, and four steals.
 
McMurry (9-8 overall, 3-8 ASC) is back home at Kimbrell Arena Thursday, Jan. 26. Howard Payne University visits for a 5:30 p.m. league battle.