BRUNSWICK, ME - The War Hawks next dance partner is the #5 Adolphus College Gusties, a strong program from the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). Both McMurry and Gustavus Adolphus demonstrated impressive overall records. McMurry thus far has a 23-5 record, including 14-2 in their conference. Gustavus Adolphus has posted a 28-1 record, going 17-1 in their conference.

McMurry demonstrated a slight edge in scoring offense, but Gustavus Adolphus has been statistically better on defense. In terms of scoring, both teams shot 43% from the field, while McMurry averaged 69.9 points per game, while Gustavus Adolphus averaged 66.9. On the flip side Gustavus Adolphus held opponents to fewer points per game, allowing 47.6 in comparison to McMurry allowing 56.6. The key to Gustavus Adolphus defense has been enforced by thievery, averaging 10.4 steals per game, but McMurry is not far behind robbing opponents of the ball at an 8.3 steals per game clip.

Two areas that lean toward the War Hawks are rebounds and 3-point field goals. Both teams were very similar in 3-point percentage, with McMurry at 33% and Gustavus Adolphus at 32%, although McMurry averaged more 3-pointers per game 7.9 to the Gusties' 5.3. McMurry has a bit wider lead in the rebounds department, grabbing 39.3 per game in contrast to Gustavus Adolphus' 33.7.
Both programs have demonstrated strong play and have key players who significantly contribute to their team's success.

Key Players: McMurry War Hawks

• Emily Holland: Leading the War Hawks with 14.2 points per game, Holland also led the team in three-point percentage (40.3%) and steals (41).  
• Kylie Flippin: Flippin was a strong all-around contributor, averaging 12.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, and she also led the team in free-throw percentage (73.5%).  
• Aryana Cleveland: Cleveland led the War Hawks in rebounding, averaging 6.4 rebounds per game, and was third on the team in scoring with 10.2 points per game.  

Key Players: Gustavus Adolphus Gusties

• Emma Kniefel: Kniefel led the Gusties in scoring with 15.4 points per game and also had a team-high 45 steals.  
• Syd Hauger: Hauger averaged 9.3 points per game and was a strong free-throw shooter, making 83.3% of her attempts.  
• Kylie Baranick: Baranick also averaged 9.3 points per game and led the Gusties in assists with 88.  

Despite Gustavus Adolphus's strong defensive statistics, McMurry holds a legitimate chance to pull off an upset victory over their highly ranked opponent. McMurry's ability to pull in rebounds and their three-point shooting capabilities, combined with individual scoring threats, provide a strong counter to the Gusties' defensive prowess and create a pathway for the War Hawks to control the game's tempo and outcome.

Game time for the Sweet 16 matchup between the McMurry War Hawks and the Gustavus Adolphus Gusties is set for 4:00 p.m. (CDT) on Friday March 14^th at Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine.

Live Stream & Live Stats: McMurry vs Gustavus Adolphus