Bulldogs Drop Heartbreaker at McMurry, 88-85

ABILENE, Texas -- Despite 21 points and three rebounds from Teddy Tapken (Austin/Lake Travis) and Texas Lutheran forcing six more turnovers than McMurry, the War Hawks outscored the Bulldogs 7-6 over the course of the final three minutes to secure a 88-85 victory Friday night at Kimbrell Arena in Abilene.

An Isaac Orozco (Helotes/O'Connor) free throw brought Texas Lutheran within two points with 2:51 remaining. After back-to-back baskets from McMurry, Orozco would drain a three with 1:10 remaining to keep the War Hawks from pulling away and make it a one possession game. McMurry sank a pair of free throws before a three-pointer from Xavier Phillips (Austin/Dripping Springs) returned the Bulldogs deficit to two points with 13 seconds remaining. McMurry split a pair of free throws to allow TLU a chance at a game-winner that would rim out as time expired.

Texas Lutheran (6-18) had three players in double figures, led by Tapken's 21 points. Jediah Chavarin-Rivens (Weslaco/Weslaco East) had a career-night, finishing with 16 points and three steals, including a 9-for-11 effort from the free throw line. Senior Xavier Phillips added 11 points and three assists off the bench.

The War Hawks outscored the Bulldogs 53-42 in the second half. McMurry would score 20 second chance points Friday night to the Bulldogs eight.

Texas Lutheran concludes its season on Sunday, Feb. 23 against the Concordia University Tornados in Austin. Tip-off is set for 2 PM with the game being streamed on FloSports. All streaming and live stats links will be available on tlubulldogs.com.