Jones Leads McMurry to 85-75 Win Over Sul Ross
By: Dave Beyer
Updated: February 18, 2012
ABILENE, Texas - Even
though it already knew its seed and destination for next week's American
Southwest Conference tournament, McMurry University's men's basketball
team gave its fans a great showing in the regular season finale with an
85-75 win over Sul
Ross State University at Kimbrell Arena. The win improved the War Hawks
to 17-8 overall and 13-8 in the ASC.
With a "Senior Day" crowd paying tribute to McM's five team members in their final season, the War Hawks withstood and early assault by the Lobos that got the visitors a nine point lead with 16:25 left in the first period, 13-4.
McMurry eventually turned the tables on SRSU, outscoring the Lobos 42-20 over the next 14 minutes. The War Hawks would eventually settle on a five point cushion at the break, 46-41.
Sul Ross would whittle away at the McM lead and creep to within a single point, 55-54, midway through the second stanza.
But senior Steven Jones scored four of his team's next six points and McMurry eventually began to create some separation from the Lobos down the stretch.
Jones saved one of his finest performances for the end of his McM career, pouring in a career-best 30 points to lead all scorers in the game. Jones was 9-of-15 from the floor and 11-of-12 from the free throw line. He also had a game-high five steals.
The game was also Jones' 22nd double figure scoring game in 25 outings this season.
Junior Dominick Walker added 13 points to the War Hawks' coffers. Senior Bryce Hill and sophomore Alfred Perez both tossed in 11 points off the McM bench. Walker led McMurry's rebounding efforts with seven boards
Starting guard Bryant Taylor and Jaden Isler - both also seniors - had near identical numbers. The tandem scored nine points apiece. Taylor passed off for seven assists and Isler gave off six "helps."
The team's fifth senior, Anthony Johnson, booked three rebounds on the afternoon.
The McMurry defense forced 25 turnovers by the Lobos, leading to a total of 38 of its points. The War Hawks' team has 12 steals.
With a "Senior Day" crowd paying tribute to McM's five team members in their final season, the War Hawks withstood and early assault by the Lobos that got the visitors a nine point lead with 16:25 left in the first period, 13-4.
McMurry eventually turned the tables on SRSU, outscoring the Lobos 42-20 over the next 14 minutes. The War Hawks would eventually settle on a five point cushion at the break, 46-41.
Sul Ross would whittle away at the McM lead and creep to within a single point, 55-54, midway through the second stanza.
But senior Steven Jones scored four of his team's next six points and McMurry eventually began to create some separation from the Lobos down the stretch.
Jones saved one of his finest performances for the end of his McM career, pouring in a career-best 30 points to lead all scorers in the game. Jones was 9-of-15 from the floor and 11-of-12 from the free throw line. He also had a game-high five steals.
The game was also Jones' 22nd double figure scoring game in 25 outings this season.
Junior Dominick Walker added 13 points to the War Hawks' coffers. Senior Bryce Hill and sophomore Alfred Perez both tossed in 11 points off the McM bench. Walker led McMurry's rebounding efforts with seven boards
Starting guard Bryant Taylor and Jaden Isler - both also seniors - had near identical numbers. The tandem scored nine points apiece. Taylor passed off for seven assists and Isler gave off six "helps."
The team's fifth senior, Anthony Johnson, booked three rebounds on the afternoon.
The McMurry defense forced 25 turnovers by the Lobos, leading to a total of 38 of its points. The War Hawks' team has 12 steals.
