ABILENE, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' Cowboy basketball team held off a late surge from McMurry to post a 91-82 win Tuesday night at Kimbrell Arena, sweeping the season series and securing its 11th victory of the season.
 
With the Cowboys facing an early deficit, Andrew Messenger energized the offense with timely shot-making. He knocked down four 3-pointers and scored all 15 of his points in 21 minutes, helping swing momentum before halftime. Hardin-Simmons carried a 43-38 lead into the break after shooting better than 53 percent from behind the arc in the first half.

Hardin-Simmons (11-8) leaned on balance in the second half as Matthew Alexander and Jared Cox helped steady the Cowboys during key stretches. Alexander finished with 14 points, converting multiple free throws and scoring in transition as HSU built separation, while Cox added six points as the Cowboys pushed the lead to double figures.

Tyler Williams and Chris Bryant paced Hardin-Simmons with 17 points apiece. Trevion Howell chipped in 12 points, while Messenger's career night off the bench gave the Cowboys five players in double figures. Myles Amason pitched in six rebounds and four blocks. Hardin-Simmons shot 51.8 percent from the field and totaled 33 fast-break points in the win.

McMurry (5-7) was led by Koye Rondeno, who scored a game-high 31 points, but the War Hawks were unable to overcome 17 turnovers and Hardin-Simmons' second-half efficiency.

Hardin-Simmons will open American Southwest Conference play at home on January 17th, hosting Howard Payne at 3 p.m.
 
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