SEGUIN, TX – The McMurry War Hawks showed incredible heart and determination on the road Saturday afternoon, battling Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference foe Texas Lutheran to an 84-71 final score at Memorial Gym. After a tightly contested opening frame that saw four lead changes and four ties, McMurry found another gear in the second period to pull away for a decisive conference victory, moving their record to 6-9 (1-5 SCAC).
Texas Lutheran gained an early advantage in the first half, capitalizing on McMurry's 25.7% field goal shooting. Despite struggles, the War Hawks answered with a relentless 12-0 run, heading to halftime down only eight points.
The team came alive in the second half, outscoring Texas Lutheran 53-48 in a high-octane offensive display. The War Hawks combined relentless defense with an explosive offensive surge. They shot a blistering 58.6% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range in the final period. McMurry pushed its lead to as many as 20 points midway through the second half, effectively silencing the home crowd.
Although the Bulldogs tried a late rally, McMurry's free-throw accuracy and rebounding stood out. The team finished 82.8% at the line (24 of 29) and showed strong transition play, scoring 36 points in the paint and 23 off turnovers.
Top War Hawk Performers
- Jalen Cherry: Dominated the interior, leading all scorers with 25 points while pulling down a massive 16 rebounds to secure a double-double. He shot a highly efficient 9-of-13 from the field and added three assists and three steals to his stellar stat line.
- Koye Rondeno: Provided a masterclass in poise and efficiency, totaling 12 points without missing a single attempt from the free-throw line. He went a perfect 10-for-10 at the stripe and facilitated the offense with six assists.
- Jordan Malveaux: Contributed 11 points off the bench, including a crucial 4-of-6 shooting performance in the second half. He added two assists and two steals, providing a consistent spark when the team needed it most.
- Amari Leflore: Was a threat from deep all afternoon, totaling 12 points behind three made shots from beyond the arc. He displayed excellent floor vision, leading the team with eight assists while also recording two blocks on the defensive end.
Up Next
Men's basketball will next play on the road at Colorado College in Colorado Springs on Friday, January 23rd at 5:30 p.m.