ABILENE, TX – Behind 20 points from senior sensation Jordan Bravo, McMurry defeated Howard Payne, 67-64, Thursday evening in a rematch at the Kimbrell Arena.

The War Hawks led early and often, leading for more than 38 of the game's 40 minutes. McMurry closed out the first half with a silm 34-33 lead. McMurry showed aggressive defense as they forced Howard Payne to 16 turnovers scoring 15 of their 34 points off turnovers at the end of half.

The War Hawks closed out the third quarter with 51 points, 8 of which came from inside the paint. The third period saw the War Hawks lean on their defensive intensity to generate offense, successfully pushing the lead back out to six points. The crucial difference throughout the game was McMurry's dominance on the fast break.

Bravo led the scoring attack with an impressive 8-of-13 shooting, including four crucial three-pointers, while adding seven rebounds and three assists. 

Bravo had two teammates join her in double figures. Senior Aryana Cleveland, who was the defensive spark, finished with 17 points and a phenomenal six steals, along with nine rebounds. While Senior Helana Chadwick had 16 points.

The Yellow Jackets held a massive edge in free-throw attempts, but didn't fully capitalize, only making 16 of 23 to the War Hawks' 12 of 13.

In the final minute of the game, immediately following a time-out with a narrow five-point lead, the War Hawks went to man-to-man defense and forced a shot clock violation from Howard Payne to help secure the lead.

War Hawks were tested repeatedly by the Yellow Jacket squad, ultimately relying on their constant ball pressure and near-perfect free-throw shooting 92.3% (12-of-13) to clinch the win. The persistent defensive effort also earned 19 total steals, demonstrating the team's uncompromising intensity.

The War Hawks finished the game shooting 7-for-21 on 3-pointers and owned a 16-12 offensive rebounding advantage over the Yellow Jackets who fell to 2-3 on the season. 

"We found a way to come out with a win despite some adversity throughout the course of the game." Coach Lange said. "Overall, we managed the possessions late in the game well to secure the win. Jordan Bravo led the way with a strong shooting performance."

POSTGAME NOTES

• War Hawks improved to 2-0 on the season.
• Laura Lange gets her first home win in Kimbrell Arena.
• Helena Chadwick Displayed clutch composure, going a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line in a high-minute, high-pressure outing.
• Amaris Valadez Provided a key boost off the bench with seven points and was effective on the boards
• The McMurry benched scored nine points in the win.
• The War Hawks totaled 19 steals on the Yellow Jackets. 

UP NEXT

• War Hawks will host Trinity University on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 1 p.m. CT.

• Following Saturday's game, War Hawks will travel to Schreiner University's Event Center to play the Moutaineers at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 25.

SUPPORT YOUR WAR HAWKS

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