Michael Qualls and Juan Muniz each scored 14 points to lead the Indians, who won their fifth straight game and improved to 14-8 overall, including a 7-4 mark in the division. McMurry remains in third place in the West Division, setting up a showdown with second place Mary Hardin-Baylor (8-3 ASC-W) on Saturday afternoon in Belton.
With McMurry leading 77-76, CUA held for the last shot but Heath Hardin stole the ball from Alberto Alonso and was immediately fouled with 14 seconds left. Hardin made 1-of-2 from the free throw line to give the Indians a two-point lead.
A few seconds later, the Tornados had another chance but Darren Johnson missed a second free throw attempt that would had sent the game into overtime. Travis Tennison snared the defensive rebound, got fouled and made a free throw with three seconds left to account for the final margin.
CUA's desperation half-court shot at the buzzer hit the backboard.
Tennison posted his team-leading eighth double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds off the bench, and Kendrick Ellis added 12 points.
Alonso led five CUA players in double figures with a game-high 19 points as the Tornados fell to 9-12 and 2-8.