The McMurry University Men’s Basketball Team was ranked 3rd in the NCAA Division III South Region Standings posted on February 28th.
The War Hawks finished the NCAA Tournament with an overall record of 21-8. McMurry faced the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and lost 70-67.
The War Hawks’ Season
The War Hawks finished their season with an appearance in the NCAA Tournament and hoped it would’ve continued. The Crusaders of UMHB destroyed that dream when they won 70-67. McMurry was close the entire game and cut the lead down to 2 points with 1.2 seconds left on the clock. A desperate baseball pass at the rim didn’t go in and save McMurry from the defeat.
The Crusaders were 16 of 31 from the free throw line throughout the game and hit 10 of its final 12 baskets helping to seal the game. UMHB shot 49% for the game going 24 of 49 from the field. Free throws really helped seal the victory for UMHB as they were given 28 free-throw opportunities in the second half alone, compared to McMurry’s five.
McMurry was 38% for the night from the field. This strong team finished as champions of the ASC West Division title and ASC tournament champions. Head Coach Matt Garnett leads the War Hawks but looks to Steven Jones, Steven Johunkin, Teddy Chambers, and Derick Sumpter for wins.
About The Team
Head Coach Matt Garnett is in his first season at the helm of McMurry’s program, but is not a stranger to it. He was an assistant coach to Ron Holmes for two seasons before accepting the head coach position. Garnett has recruited the past two “ASC West Newcomer of the Year” award winners in Jonathan Walker and Jeremie Hart.
He made his rookie season count as he led the team to both the ASC West Division regular season and tournament championships, as well as an overall record of 21-8. Garnett was also named ASC West Division Coach of the Year.
Junior Steven Jones was named ASC West Division Player of the Year and All-ASC West First Team. He averages 14 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game. He was also named ASC West Division Player of the week twice and NABC All-Region First Team. Senior Steven Johunkin was named ASC West Division Defensive Player of the Year, All-ASC West Defensive Team, and All-ASC West Honorable Mention.
He averaged 9.4 points per game and .532 shooting percentage. Johunkin was known for locking down the conference’s top scorers throughout the season. Seniors Teddy Chambers and Derick Sumpter were both named to the All-ASC West Second Team. Chambers averaged 11.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. Sumpter averaged 16 points per game.
About The School
McMurry University is located in Abilene, Texas and seeks to provide a Christian liberal arts and professional education that prepares students for a fulfilling life of leadership and service. There are about 1,400 students that take advantage of the excellent opportunities the university has to offer, while avoiding the impersonal experience of a large school.