ABILENE, TX – In a match marked by high physical tension, the McMurry War Hawks protected their home court with a 76-66 win over the University of St. Thomas on Sunday. While the game was a defensive battle throughout, McMurry relied on its interior strength and secured a vital conference win in front of the Kimbrell Arena crowd. The win improves McMurry to 15-4 overall and 9-2 in SCAC play, keeping them firmly in the hunt for the top of the conference standings.

The War Hawks established a 12-point lead early, but the game soon turned into a test of endurance. As the physicality ramped up and the atmosphere in Kimbrell Arena intensified, every possession became a battle. St. Thomas attempted multiple runs to close the gap, turning the game into a high-stakes grind where points were hard-earned and defensive stops were critical.

By the end of the first quarter, McMurry had built a 24-12 lead, outshooting and outworking St. Thomas to set a dominant tone for the rest of the afternoon. This early offense provided the necessary breathing room for the War Hawks as the game eventually tightened. Chadwick's ability to navigate the defense of St. Thomas allowed the War Hawks to maintain their offensive flow even when the game's pace became erratic.

Aryana Cleveland was the defining force of the afternoon, putting up a double-double with 22 points and 18 rebounds. Cleveland dominated the paint on both ends, cleaning up the glass to limit the Celts' second-chance opportunities and drawing fouls to get to the line 11 times. Her poise under pressure ensured the momentum stayed firmly with McMurry.

Helana Chadwick provided a significant offensive spark with a game-high 27 points. Chadwick attacked the rim relentlessly, getting to the free-throw line 12 times and converting 10. She also knocked down three shots from beyond the arc and secured the perimeter defense with three steals before fouling out late in the contest. As Helena Chadwick inches closer to her final game as a War Hawk, the passion in her play has become a defining force for the team. Making a statement in every possession, she has solidified her role as the top offensive performer.

Jordan Gillespie secured the defensive effort alongside Cleveland, finishing with eight points and 10 rebounds. Gillespie was a rim protector for the full 37 minutes she played, recording a game-high four blocks. Her interior presence forced St. Thomas into difficult shots.

After the ejections left McMurry with only four players, Cleveland's performance proved why veteran leadership is the most valuable asset in conference play. Following a timeout with just over a minute left, she hauled in a crucial rebound and sprinted the floor for a layup that effectively iced the game. Despite the disadvantage, the team's discipline allowed them to maintain the lead until the final horn.

POSTGAME NOTES

·       Aryana Cleveland recorded a double-double with 22 points and 18 rebounds.
·       Helana Chadwick scored 27 points, including three 3-pointers.
·       Jordan Gillespie finished with 10 rebounds and four blocks.
·       McMurry dominated the boards, out-rebounding the Celts 53-32.
·       The War Hawks shot 85% from the free-throw line in the second half.

UP NEXT

The War Hawks will travel to Sherman, TX, to face Austin College in their next conference game on Friday, February 13, at 8:00 p.m. ET.
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