ABILENE, Texas  — Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball team snapped a five-game losing streak to Mary Hardin-Baylor with a 76-72 win in American Southwest Conference action at the Mabee Complex.

HSU scored a layup by Jim Walter on the opening possession and UMHB tied it with a basket and Walter hit a pair of free throws to make it 4-2 and HSU led the rest of the way. The Cowboys had a 12-3 run to make it 18-7 and the Cru cut it to three points a couple of times in the first half but HSU led 41-35 at halftime.

The Cowboys never led by more than seven points in the second half and twice UMHB cut it to one, but HSU had the answer every time.

HSU shot just 36.4 percent, but were 16-for-21 at the free throw line and outrebounded the Cru 41-39. HSU also only turned the ball over five times in the game and blocked nine shots. HSU nailed 12 3-pointers in the game, including season-highs six by Charles Sams and three by Derrick Jefferson.

Sams led the Cowboys with a career-best 23 points. Jefferson added 17 points. Mawen Maywin played his best game as a Cowboy with 10 points, 14 rebounds and six blocked shots. Walter had a career-best 14 rebounds.

James Allen had 18 points to pace UMHB. Kitrick Bell added 15 points and Antoine Chaney added 13.

HSU is now 7-7 on the year and 7-4 in conference play. UMHB fell to 8-7 overall and 6-6 in league play. HSU remains home next week to face Texas-Tyler and Ozarks.

--- www.hsuathletics.com ---