ABILENE, TEXAS – A gritty effort from McMurry University, paced by four players in double figures, pushed perennial American Southwest Conference power Mary-Hardin-Baylor to the final moments Thursday, Feb. 16.
 
Senior forward/center Destiny Mathews (Palestine, Texas), sophomore guard Emily Holland (Mansfield, Texas), freshman forward/center Aryana Cleveland (San Antonio, Texas), and freshman guard Helana Chadwick (La Vernia, Texas) all found themselves in scoring double figures during the 40-minute battle on the Kimbrell Arena hardwood. Mathews, hitting double figures for the eighth time in her last 11 appearances, had a strong stat line. She put up 19 points on seven-of-12 field goal shooting and was perfect at the charity stripe (five-for-five) while ending only one rebound short of a double-double. Holland was in double digits for the 11^th time in her last 13 contests, posting 12 points to go with five rebounds, three assists, a blocked shot and two steals. Cleveland resumed her rising star status of late with 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists, and Chadwick continued to be one of the top subs in the league producing 12 points.
 
With those marks in their corner, head coach Drew Long's side was able to keep the Crusaders close throughout. Whenever the visitors took off on a run, the Maroon, Black, and White pulled them back in with one of their own. A march in the final seven minutes was especially impressive, as, after trailing 63-44 with 7:02 to go, the War Hawks knocked the deficit to as little as eight (68-60) with over a minute to go and had possession. UMHB was able to stave off a further rally for the 73-62 decision.
 
McMurry (11-12, 5-12 ASC) winds up its 2022-23 campaign Saturday, Feb. 18. Concordia University of Austin comes to town for a 1 p.m. start as part of Senior Day 2023 festivities.