Abram Choate, SID
ABILENE, Texas – Truly playing as a team, the Jackets came out successful tonight against McMurry, 66-63, for their first win in Kimbrell Arena since 1993 (2/20/1993).
The Jackets began the game with a fair start, leading for most of the first half. However, McMurry slowly continued to shorten the gap, ending the half with a four point lead, 29-25.
The second half continued to be close with McMurry in the lead for seven minutes, before some great plays by Bryan Blalock allowed the Jackets to not only tie the game, but also to regain their lead.
Although remaining a close and physical game, Howard Payne seemed determined, gaining their largest lead yet of nine points around the five minute.
However, McMurry was not intending to give up easily as they shortened the Jackets' lead to three with 30 seconds remaining in the game. It wasn't enough for McMurry, though, as Howard Payne came out on top once again, 66-63.
Turnovers played a huge part in the game, with Howard Payne only having 13, to McMurry's 17.
There was all-around contribution from the Jackets' team, led by Lee Scott with 15 points, Tom Hermann 14, Bryan Blalock with 12, and Brock Woods with 11 for a total of four players in double digits for Howard Payne.
Leading McMurry was Alex Robles with 15, Dewayne Hall with 13, and Glenn Brown with 8 respectively.
Howard Payne continues their climb in conference play with tonight's win, improving to 9-7 in the conference, 11-9 overall. McMurry falls to 8-12 on the season, 5-11 in the American Southwest Conference.
The Jackets will return to Abilene on Saturday to face Hardin-Simmons at approximately 3PM, following the women's game.
