WACO (January 3, 2013) -- The McLennan Highlanders defeated the Richland Thunderducks 78-68 Thursday night at The Highlands.

The game was close through the first half with neither team gaining more than an eight-point lead. MCC held the 36-30 advantage at the break.

The Highlanders opened the second half on a 7-2 run to take the 43-32 lead with 17:15 to play in the game. MCC continued to pull away down the stretch, extending the lead to 18. The Thunderducks cut the lead to eight twice in the final minute of play but was unable to pull any closer.

Deondre Ray led the Highlanders with 17 points and Tevin Hanner scored 13.

MCC returns to action on Saturday, traveling to face LSC-Tomball at 10:30 a.m. on the campus of Prairie View A&M University.