The Tale of Two Halves

ABILENE, Texas -  Hardin-Simmons’ men’s basketball team could not corral the red-hot shooting Mary Hardin-Baylor Cru in a 100-70 American Southwest Conference loss on Saturday afternoon at the Mabee Complex. 

The Cowboys played a great first half against the conference leaders, but still trailed 45-42 at the intermission. HSU hit 9-of-16 3-pointers in the first half and the Cru used the foul line to maintain its lead as they hit 15-of-19 free throws in the first half.

In the second half, UMHB came out and stuck the Cowboys with a 37-13 run out of the locker room to push the lead out to 83-54 with 8:19 to play. Zane Johnston had 14 points in the run.

UMHB shot 63 percent in the second half and 56.7 percent for the game. HSU shot 50 percent in the first half, but went 9-for-34 in the second half and finished at 37.5 percent. UMHB dominated the boards 42-31.

John Derr hit six 3-pointers and led the Cowboys with 18 points. Carlos Singer had 15 points and Derek Bryant added 10. Dean Pele scored 18 points, all in the first half for UMHB. Johnston had 18 for the Cru.

With the loss, the Cowboys are now 4-14 on the year and 4-10 in league play. Mary Hardin-Baylor improved to 14-5 overall and 12-3 in league play. HSU hosts McMurry on Monday at 7:30 p.m.