ABILENE, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' Cowgirl basketball team sunk the McMurry War Hawks with a bucket from Jaqueline Berry in the final seconds to take the lead 75-74 in the win on Saturday in the Mabee Athletic Complex.
 
The Cowgirls led 41-32 at the half over McMurry after a good start, but the War Hawks outscored HSU 19-11 in the third to get back in the game down 52-51 heading in the fourth quarter.
 
There were nine lead changes in a barnburner fourth quarter between Hardin-Simmons and McMurry. The Cowgirls went up 68-66 after a Berry make with two minutes remaining. She finished with 25 points to lead the Cowgirls, shooting 10-21 on the day.
 
McMurry tied the game and went up 71-68 on a big 3-pointer from Amaris Valadez with a minute and a half left before the Cowgirls tied the game at 71-71 thanks to an Abbie Crow and-one make.
 
The War Hawks got another dagger 3-pointer from Jordan Bravo to lead 74-71 with 38 seconds left in the game. Hardin-Simmons added two free throws from Berry before getting the ball back with a chance to take the lead. Berry scored on a play inside with six seconds remaining to win the game 75-74 for the Cowgirls.
 
HSU shot 27-71 for 38 percent and held McMurry to shooting 24-66 for 36 percent in the game. The Cowgirls won the rebounding battle 46-42, led by a double-double from MaeSyn Gay with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Caroline Croft finished with 12 points in the win.
 
McMurry had a career day from Helena Chadwick, who was two assists shy of a triple-double with 30 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists.
 
Hardin-Simmons and head coach Kendra Whitehead improved to 9-1 on the season and will travel to play at Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colo. on Dec. 18-19 playing at 4 p.m. each day, against Colorado College and Wartburg on Thursday and Friday, respectively.
 
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