McMurry University's War Hawks lost an 84-83 nail biter to University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Saturday, Jan. 13 in Kimbrell Arena.

Coach Zach Pickelman's team won the first half 36-35 but lost the second 49-47.
 

Junior guard Matt Pena (El Paso, Texas) led the way with 26 points, followed by senior guard CJ LeBlanc (Dallas, Texas) with 17, freshman forward Tristan Holden (San Antonio, Texas) with 13 and junior forward TJ Hilliard (New Orleans, Louisiana) with 12. Pena connected on eight three-pointers, LeBlanc contributed three, Holden was 2 of 4, junior forward Josh Alcocer (San Antonio, Texas) was 1 of 4, and senior guard/forward Rob Charles (Houston, Texas) was 1 of 1. At the free throw line, senior forward/center Elias Garcia (Houston, Texas) was 3 of 5, Hilliard was 2 of 4, LeBlanc was 2 of 2 and Holden was 1 of 3.
 

The game had 14 lead changes and the score was tied twice. Holden had nine rebounds, three on offense and six on defense, Garcia contributed eight, one on offense and seven on defense, Hilliard added seven, three on offense and four on defense and Pena had six, three both on offense and defense. Alcocer and LeBlanc each had two steals, and Garcia and Holden had one apiece. Holden also blocked five shots, while Garcia had two and LeBlanc added one.
 

McMurry, 8-7 overall and 2-5 in the American Southwest Conference, hosts LeTourneau University at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in Kimbrell Arena.