Women's Hoops Falls Short Against McMurry

SHERMAN, Texas — Despite a strong first-half defensive performance and a double-digit scoring effort from Brooklyn Matthews, Austin College fell 59-49 to McMurry University in a Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference matchup Friday night in Hughey Gym.

The 'Roos established an early rhythm and took a 24-17 lead into the locker room at halftime. The defensive effort was anchored by Emma Potts, who recorded three blocks and eight rebounds on the night. Austin College built its largest lead of seven points late in the second quarter following a surge sparked by Maya Dodson. Dodson, who finished with nine points, hit back-to-back three-pointers at the 4:35 and 3:18 marks of the second quarter to push the home team ahead.

However, the momentum shifted in the third quarter as McMurry ignited a 26-15 scoring run. The 'Roos briefly held a 28-27 lead with 7:04 remaining in the third when Taiyla Williams forced a steal and converted a jumper in the paint. McMurry responded immediately, and although Kaylee Smith kept the 'Roos close with a layup at the 27-second mark to make it a one-point game, a late three by McMurry's Helana Chadwick pushed the deficit back to four entering the final period.

Matthews led Austin College with 11 points and five rebounds, including a jumper with 9:42 left in the game that brought the score to 45-41. The 'Roos continued to battle as Williams scored on a fast-break layup with 3:09 remaining to pull within two points at 48-46. Austin College was unable to reclaim the lead in the closing minutes, hindered by a shooting night where they went 20-of-64 from the field and 3-of-25 from three-point range.

The Austin College bench provided a significant spark, accounting for 22 of the team's 49 points. Along with Dodson's contributions, Smith finished with six points and six rebounds, while Williams added five points. Avory Miller led the playmaking effort for the home side with three assists and two steals. Chadwick led all scorers with 24 points, adding six assists, and Aryana Cleveland posted a double-double for McMurry with 11 points and 11 boards. 

Austin College (12-10, 9-4 SCAC) saw its comeback hopes stall as McMurry (16-4, 10-2 SCAC) converted 12-of-14 free throws in the fourth quarter to secure the result. The 'Roos will look to bounce back in their final home game of the season on Saturday, as they host Schreiner University at 6:00 p.m.