The No. 8 Highlanders squashed the Weatherford Coyotes 86-64 Wednesday night to remain undefeated on the season.
The game began as a low-scoring, defensive battle. McLennan led 11-8 with just under 12 minutes to play in the first. A defensive rebound and drive to the rim by Hayden Hunter served as the spark plug for the Highlanders with 11 minutes to go. Shannon Bogues and Isaiah Gurley combined to go 8-8 from the free throw line in the next two minutes. A Fred Jackson rebound and put back, followed by another Hunter layup capped off a 12-0 Highlander run to break the game open, 23-8. McLennan continued to pull away and led 46-25 at the break.
With the game easily in hand, the Highlanders continued to shine in the second half. McLennan led 64-48 with 11 minutes remaining in the game. Derrick Farquharson, Jackson and Julius Palmer combined for a 7-0 run to further the distance over the Coyotes. Weatherford rallied late but it wasn't enough to overcome the deficit.
Bogues and Gurley led the Highlanders with 21 points each. Farquharson recorded another double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Conference play continues for McLennan Saturday at Hill. The women's game will begin at 2 p.m., followed by the men's game at 4 p.m.
McLennan 86, Weatherford 64
Weatherford: Tyrik Armstrong 5 0-0 12; Ken Busby 1 1-3 4; Chance Edwards 1 2-2 4; Travis Barnett 3 1-2 8; Zach Naylor 4 2-2 11; Rokas Mazionis 2 1-4 4; Josh Ihek 2 2-4 6; Vinko Glavan 0 2-4 2; Antanas Krimelis 1 1-2 4; Ron Whitelow 3 1-2 9; Totals: 22 12-22 64.
McLennan: Kyle Brennon 0 0-0 0; Zarious Wilson 0 0-0 0; Chamar Hawkins 0 2-2 2; Hayden Hunter 4 1-2 9; Derrick Farquharson 3 3-4 10; Shannon Bogues 6 8-11 21; Isaiah Gurley 7 5-5 21; Jashawn Talton 1 2-2 4; Daniel Pinho Severo 1 2-2 4; Fred Jackson 2 3-4 7; Julius Palmer 3 2-2 8; Totals: 27 28-35 86.
3-pointers: Weatherford 8 (Armstrong 2, Whitelow 2, Busby 1, Barnett 1, Naylor 1, Krimelis 1), McLennan 4 (Gurley 2, Bogues 1, Farquharson 1); Total fouls: Weatherford 25, McLennan 23; Fouled out: Weatherford (Glavan); Halftime score: McLennan 46, Weatherford 25; Record: McLennan 20-0 (2-0).
