Cowboys Fall short Against Indians

Dec. 14, 2004

ABILENE, Texas - McMurry seniors Michael Qualls and Kelon Lewis came off the bench to combine for 38 points en route to a 81-75 win over Hardin-Simmons, Tuesday night in American Southwest Conference action at the Mabee Complex.

The two have played key roles for the Indians against HSU their entire careers. Qualls had 14 points in the first half, including a running 25-footer that beat the halftime buzzer. He had four 3-pointers to pace the Indians. Lewis had 17 points.

The Cowboys limited the Indian starters to 31 points, including only 12 by ASC West leading scorer Travis Tennison.

Calvin Nite led the Cowboys with 20 points, Zach Pickelman chipped in with 13 and Tanner Kudrna had 12.

HSU led 30-22 with a minute to go before the half, but McMurry scored seven quick points to close the gap to 30-29 at the break. McMurry took a seven-point lead at the 13:32 mark on a J.R. Williams jumper, before the Cowboys mounted a charge and cut it to 57-55 at the 6:52 mark. McMurry kept extending the lead and the Cowboys continued to rally.

The Cowboys cut it to 78-75 and had an apparent turnover, but a foul was called with :06 left in the game. A technical foul ensued and the Indians hit 3-of-4 free throws to make it 81-75.

HSU is now 5-3 on the year and 3-2 in league play. McMurry improved to 5-2 overall and 4-1 in conference play. Hsu hosts Mississippi College on Saturday.