Abram Choate, SID

SEGUIN, Texas – ASC West co-leader Howard Payne survived a furious rally late in regulation by Texas Lutheran and held off the Bulldogs 67-62 in overtime Thursday night in TLU's Memorial Gymnasium.

TLU's Will Hudson scored seven of the TLU'S eight points in the final 99 seconds of regulation. Hudson forced overtime with a three-pointer with 27 seconds to play in the second half. Howard Payne was unable to get a shot on its final possession in regulation, and the teams went to the extra session tied at 55.

In the overtime, the Yellow Jackets pounded the offensive glass and connected on lay-ups. Sr. G Matt Zinser(Burnet HS) and Sr. C Cliff McGuire(Haskell HS) each scored on put-backs to put Howard Payne up six early in the overtime. TLU fought back to within one with 13 seconds in overtime, but the extended to three after HPU's Fr. F Tom Hermann(FW-SW Chr. HS) made both of his free throws. With 12 seconds to play, a pass intended for Hudson, was picked off by Matt Zinser. The Yellow Jacket guard sank two free throws with three seconds to play to seal the victory.

Hudson led TLU with 22 points. He scored 20 of his points in the second half and overtime. Hudson also grabbed seven rebounds. Matt Nelson was the only other Bulldog in double figures. He had 18.

Howard Payne received 19 points and 14 rebounds from McGuire. Zinser added 13 points, 15 rebounds and four steals. Fr. PG Victor Hayes(Albuquergue-Del Norte HS) dished out five assists to go with his 16 points.

Howard Payne improved to 11-3 overall and to 10-2 in the American Southwest Conference West Division.

HPU is back in action on Saturday in Kerrville against Schreiner at 3:00pm.