Box Score
Belton, TX— The McMurry University men's basketball team used a suffocating defensive effort and huge rebounding margin to take control of the game in the first half and the War Hawks went on to a 100-75 victory over East Texas Baptist in the first round of the American Southwest Conference Tournament. McMurry moves to 18-8 with the victory. The loss ends ETBU's season at 14-12.
McMurry held ETBU to 24 percent shooting from the first in the first half and out rebounded the Tigers 32-23 in building a 46-31 halftime lead. The Tigers cut the gap to 12 points early in the second half, but McMurry pulled away again and led by as many as 29 points before coasting to the victory. The War Hawks finished at 55 percent shooting and held the Tigers to 30 percent from the field. McMurry also out rebounded ETBU 53-43 in the game.
Steven Jones had a huge night to lead the War Hawks, finishing with 27 points, 19 rebounds and six assists. Bryce Hill chipped in 16 points and Jaden Isler and Alfred Perez added 13 points apiece.
Jaron Joseph topped ETBU with 16 points and Jeremy LeGarde had 15 points. Kerry McClahan had a double-double with 13 points and 12 boards for the Tigers.
The War Hawks will now move on to tomorrow's semifinals and will face the UMHB-Mississippi College winner in a 4:30 PM start. The Tigers were making their third straight ASC Tournament appearance.
