McMurry dominated the game early and led 22-8 with 7:45 left to play in the first half. The Indians would scored just 41 points the rest of the game. UMHB closed the first half with a 21-2 run to lead 29-24 at halftime on Brandon Gatlin’s lay-up at the buzzer. The Crusaders would stretch the lead to as many as 16 points in the second half and McMurry never got it closer than seven points the rest of the way.
Michael Blaylock led UMHB with 25 points off the bench on 9-13 shooting. Gatlin added 20 points and Patrick Oliver had 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Cru. Travis Tennison led McMurry with 12 points and a game-high 15 rebounds. Terence Mirabal added 10 points as the only other Indian in double figures. UMHB forced 23 turnovers and held McMurry to just 40 per cent shooting from the field. UMHB shot 44 per cent from the field and also out rebounded the Indians 37-35.
The Crusaders will continue their home stand with a 3:00 PM tip-off against Hardin-Simmons University Saturday afternoon. That game will be played at Mabee Gym.