ABILENE, Texas -- Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball team moved to 9-0 with a 90-66 American Southwest Conference win over Sul Ross State on Thursday night at the Mabee Complex.

The Cowboys controlled the game from the outset and trailed only :15 the entire contest. The Cowboys led by as many as nine points in the first half and led 35-28 at halftime.

In the second half, the Cowboys methodically built on its lead and led 65-51 with 8:29 to play when they hit the Lobos with a 14-0 run to apply the knockout blow.  

Christian O'Neal led the Cowboys with 23 points, six assists and four rebounds. Derrick Jefferson had 17 points and seven rebounds and Justin Jones had 14 points and tied Mardochee Jean's school record with 10 blocked shots.

Charles Sams hit four 3-pointers and had 12 points off the bench and Camron Barnes added 11 points and five rebounds in the win for the Cowboys.

Stephon Holland led the Lobos with 22 points off the bench, including a 6-for-7 effort from 3-point range.

HSU is 9-0 on the year and 5-0 in ASC play. Sul Ross State fell to 1-7 overall and 1-2 in conference action. The Cowboys will be off until Dec. 29 when it hosts Texas Lutheran at 7 p.m.

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