Feb. 21, 2008

Final Stats

BELTON, Texas - Hardin-Simmons men's basketball team fell to No. 15 Mary Hardin-Baylor 82-76 Thursday night at the Mayborn Center in Belton.

HSU made a furious comeback late in the game and cut a 72-59 deficit to 76-73 with a Marcus Smith 3-pointer with :46 to play. The Crusaders iced the game at the free throw line, where they hit 29-of-41 in the game. HSU was just 7-for-13 at the free throw line.

The Crusaders led by as many as 10 in the first half, but the Cowboys dwindled the deficit down to five at 38-33 at the break.

HSU cut the deficit to 44-43, but UMHB scored seven straight on back-to-back 3-pointers from Zane Johnston and Neiman Ford and a free throw by Ford to push the lead back to 51-43. HSU never got closer until the late flurry.

HSU was led by Marcus Smith's 22 points and Rob Yeatts had 20, including six 3-pointers. Mardochee Jean had 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Ryan Burgart paced four Cru players in double figures with 20 points. Tilmon Gaddy had 18 points, Zane Johnston 16 and Neiman Ford 15.

The Cowboys fell to 14-10 on the year and 13-7 in league play. UMHB improved to 21-3 overall and 18-2 in the ASC. HSU will close its regular season on Saturday at Concordia. Tipoff is slated for 3 p.m.