ABILENE, TEXAS – A 28-14 run over the final nine-plus minutes of the first half proved to be the difference in American Southwest Conference action Thursday, Feb. 16.
 
Head coach Zach Pickelman's War Hawks (6-18, 5-12 ASC) went toe-to-toe with the co-league-leaders during most of the first section of the opening 20 minutes. With the game tied at 24-24, the Crusaders broke away to a 52-38 halftime advantage. McMurry got the visiting advantage down to as little as 12 in the second half but couldn't get any closer in a 97-79 defeat.
 
Sophomore forward/center T.J. Hilliard (New Orleans, Louisiana) topped three in double figures for the Maroon, Black, and White. He finished with 23 points and four steals to lead the squad in both categories. Junior forward/center Elias Garcia (Houston, Texas) added 19 points as part of a strong home team inside game presence. Garcia also grabbed four rebounds. Freshman guard Elijah Lomas' recent roll kept up its high speed with 15 points and four rebounds.
 
The War Hawks close out their 2022-23 slate hosting Concordia University Saturday, Feb. 18. Game time is 3:30 p.m. for Senior Day 2023 festivities.