McMurry University Athletics

ABILENE – Hardin-Simmons got two big stops and baskets to take an 81-79 overtime victory over McMurry on Monday.
 
With 3:08 left in the overtime period, HSU took a 73-71 lead and then forced McMurry into some tough shots and scored on the other end to build a 78-71 lead.
 
Kino Thompson hit a pair of three-pointers down the stretch but the Cowboys were able to withstand the challenge.
 
Thompson had 21 points for the game on 9-of-12 shooting, including a three-of-six performance from the three-point line. Matt Pena had 17 points, none bigger than a three-pointer with 39 seconds left in regulation to give the War Hawks a 69-67 lead.
 
Julian Wilson was solid with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
 
"You never know what's gonna happen on the first game," said McMurry head coach Zack Pickelman. "We came out a little flat, but I thought we got our legs big way through the first half. In the second half, I thought played really well. So hopefully going forward, that'll help us out."
 
The War Hawks are back in action on Tuesday, visiting Abilene Christian in a 7 p.m. exhibition.