ABILENE, Texas — ACU put up a season-high 95 points in what turned out to be an early shootout against Hardin-Simmons. Both teams came out firing early and it was a close game throughout most of the first half. Both teams shot better than 44 percent in the first half and the Cowboys made an impressive 45 percent of their shots from deep. Much like the McMurry game, the Wildcats came out of the half on a mission and went on a 9-2 run to separate themselves from HSU. ACU forced 15 second half turnovers and pulled away for the 95-73 victory.
Key Plays
- The Wildcats made a point to get the ball inside early and Kolton Kohl scored the first four points of the game.
- HSU opened the game shooting 5-6 from the field including 2-2 from deep.
- After trailing by six points, ACU got back-to-back made threes from Logan McLaughlin and Airion Simmons to tie the game at 18.
- Coryon Mason opened the second half with a driving layup, drew the foul, and completed the three-point play.
- Leading by 11 in the second half, Reggie Miller grabbed a steal and made the fast break layup on the other end to help extend the Wildcats lead.
- In just a two-minute span, Immanuel Allen had two big offensive rebounds and putback layups that helped put the game out of reach for HSU.
Turning Point
After the Cowboys opened the second half with a score, the Wildcats went on a 12-0 run that kept them in control for the remainder of the game.
Stat Pack
- The 43 free throw attempts by the Wildcats were the most attempts for the team in the DI era, their 27 made free throws tied for fourth all-time.
- The Wildcats have forced at least 20 turnovers in six of their seven games, the 26 tonight ties for the third most forced turnovers on the season
- Simmons went for a career-high 16 points and narrowly missed his first career double-double with nine rebounds. He also added three assists, a steal and a block.
- Joe Pleasant tied a career-high with 20 points on 50 percent shooting while also grabbing six boards.
- This was ACU's highest scoring game since Dec. 12, 2019 when they won 105-36 over Howard Payne.
Up Next
The Wildcats have a tough road test ahead when they travel to face the Razorbacks of Arkansas. The two teams will meet on Dec. 22 in Fayetteville at 7 p.m. on SEC Network+.
