Road Games to Begin the Second Semester

McMurry ended 2011 with a game in New Mexico. They played in Portales at Eastern Mexico University against NAIA school Northern New Mexico. Coach Isler enjoyed the opportunity to take the War Hawks to practice at Clovis High School and show them around his former city. Jaden Isler and Bryce Hill also had the chance to reminisce about their high school days. McM kept a large lead for most of the game. In the last seven minutes, NNM attempted to make a come back. The War Hawks held onto their lead and won the game with a score of 85-82.

McMurry returned in 2012 to take on two tough road trips in a row. First up were Mississippi College and Louisiana College. After leading most of the game, the War Hawks suffered a Mississippi College comeback and fell to MC 65-72. Determined to bounce back, McMurry played great from the tip against Lousiana College and pulled out a 75-64 victory.

 

The War Hawks returned home only to head back out onto the road. Their Thursday game was against Howard Payne- an hour and a half drive southeast of Abilene. The game remained close throughout the first half, but Howard Payne spread the game out in the second half. Down 13, McM battled back to take a 1 point lead with twenty seconds left in the game. Unfortunately, McM couldn't hold on and Howard Payne scooted by with a 91-94 win. The team then headed to Sul Ross University in Alpine, TX- another tough gym to play in. But the guys worked hard and were determined to finish their road trip with a victory. McM defeated the Lobos with a score of 68-63.

The War Hawks came away from their first road games of the semester 3-2. This took their overall record to 10-4 and conference record to 6-4. The team was ready to get back to Abilene for a 4-game home stretch.

First Half of the Season Recap

As the War Hawks are beginning the second half of their season, it only seems fitting to quickly recap the first half. 

McMurry started the season off with two home games on November 18 and 19. First up was Barclay College. Coach Isler received his first McM win with a score of 98-59. Saturday night, the War Hawks hosted Southwestern Adventist University and came away with another win of 98-64.

Beginning November 26, McM began conference play at home against LeTourneau University from Longview, Texas. LeTourneau came into the game with a record of 1-1. The War Hawks earned another victory with a score of 85-66. McMurry brought their season record to 4-0 and conference record to 2-0 when they outscored UT Tyler 99-74.

The first weekend of December brought the first road trip of the season. The team traveled to Clarksville, Arkansas to play University of the Ozarks where they continued their best start since the 1998-99 season. After an 84-73 win, McM headed back to Texas to play UT Dallas. Unfortunately, the War Hawks suffered their first loss of the season with a score of 86-94. 

McMurry returned home to defeat East Texas Baptist University with a score of 92-71. Next up was Centenary College who is new to the ASC this year. McMurry earned another victory by outscoring Centenary 98-88. The War Hawks finished their first semester of play hosting their cross-town rival Hardin Simmons. The game came down to the final seconds, but Hardin Simmons squeaked by with a 78-81 score.

The War Hawks left for Christmas break with a 7-2 overall record and a 4-2 conference record.