Strong Second Half Propels Austin College Past McMurry

SHERMAN, Texas — Tasshir Pina-Warren scored 23 points to lead Austin College to a 78-61 victory over McMurry University on Friday night at Hughey Gym.

The 'Roos used a strong second half to pull away from the War Hawks, outscoring the visitors 43-31 in the final period. Austin College shot 46.7% from the field for the game and hit 10-of-24 attempts from three-point range.

Jamien June contributed 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists for the 'Roos, while Kidus Getenet added 16 points and nine rebounds. Ethan Pearce and Jordan Hudgins anchored the interior defense with 10 rebounds apiece. McMurry was led by Amari Leflore, who scored 12 points on four three-pointers. Dirk Johnson also finished with 12 points and six rebounds, and Jalen Cherry recorded a game-high 15 rebounds to go along with eight points.

Austin College held a 35-30 lead at halftime, with June providing a spark late in the first period by hitting a triple with 31 seconds left to give the 'Roos a five-point cushion heading into the break. The contest remained tight through the early stages of the second half. McMurry took a 40-38 lead with 17:46 remaining following a layup by Cherry. However, Austin College responded with a 14-3 run, capped by a Pina-Warren jumper at the 13:47 mark, to establish a 52-43 advantage.

The War Hawks cut the deficit to four points at 59-55 after a Jeremiah Talib layup with 7:39 left on the clock. Austin College quickly regained momentum as Getenet answered with a three-pointer at the 7:27 mark, starting a decisive 18-4 run. Pearce extended the lead to 18 points, the largest of the night, on a layup with 2:30 remaining to make the score 77-59.

McMurry struggled from the floor throughout the evening, finishing with a 29.2 percent shooting mark. The War Hawks were effective on the offensive glass, collecting 18 offensive rebounds which led to 20 second-chance points.

Austin College improved its record to 7-15 overall and 4-9 in conference play with the win. McMurry fell to 8-14 on the season and 3-10 in the conference. Austin College wraps up its home slate of games for the 2025-26 season tomorrow, as they play host to Schreiner University at 4:00 p.m.