AUSTIN, TX –The War Hawks defeated Concordia University Texas, 66-58, on Friday evening at the Concordia Fieldhouse. The victory moves McMurry to 11-2 on the season and keeps them undefeated in conference play with a perfect 5-0 record.

McMurry set the tempo from the opening tip, leading for over 39 minutes of the contest. The difference maker was the team's physical presence in the paint, as the War Hawks out rebounded the Tornados 59-42. This rebounding edge allowed McMurry to control the flow of the game and limit Concordia's scoring opportunities, holding them to just 31.8% shooting from the field.

Aryana Cleveland led the offensive charge with a team high 15 points. Cleveland was a constant threat near the rim, using her athleticism to put pressure on the Concordia defense. She was also a force on the boards and on the defensive end, finishing the night with 12 total rebounds making it a double-double and recording three steals to help the War Hawks' defense.
Jordan Gillespie provided a massive boost in the interior, recording a game-high 18 total rebounds to lead the team's dominant effort on the glass. In addition to her work on the boards, Gillespie chipped in eight points on 3-of-5 shooting. Her ability to facilitate the offense was also on display, as she led the team with four assists while adding a block and a steal.
Jordan Bravo rounded out the top performers, finishing with 13 points in a solid all-around game. Bravo was a threat from the outside, connecting on three shots from beyond the arc and going a perfect 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. She also contributed significantly to the rebounding total with seven rebounds and added two steals to the team's defensive tally.

The War Hawks' depth and consistency proved to be too much for Concordia, as McMurry maintained a lead that grew as large as 17 points. As a team, the War Hawks capitalized on their size advantage to outscore the Tornados 24-14 in the paint.

POSTGAME NOTES

• Aryana Cleveland led the team with 15 points and recorded 12 total rebounds.
• Jordan Gillespie dominated the glass with a game-high 18 total rebounds.
• Jordan Bravo scored 13 points and added seven total rebounds.
• McMurry out-rebounded Concordia by a 59-42 margin.
• Cleveland and Gillespie joined the records for 500+ rebounds.

UP NEXT

• The War Hawks have a quick turnaround to play Texas Lutheran University on Saturday, Jan. 17 at 6:00 p.m.
• Following the road trip, McMurry will return home to continue conference play.

 
SUPPORT YOUR WAR HAWKS
Fans can make a direct impact on the success of McMurry Athletics by going to McMurry Athletics (Giving) then clicking on Gifts for GRIT, which provides financial support directly to your choice of athletic program for needs beyond its operating budget.