Abram Choate, SID
CLARKSVILLE, Ark. - Howard Payne University displayed a stifling defense while shooting 53 percent from the three-point line to upend the University of the Ozarks women's basketball team 94-52 in Saturday's American Southwest Conference game.
HPU guard, Meia Daniels, passed 1000 points in her career against Ozarks. She is currently 8th all-time at HPU and is on pace to break 2000 by the end of her career.
Howard Payne committed only 7 turnovers while forcing 22 Ozark turnovers in the game.
The University of the Ozarks had trouble from the field, shooting only 35 percent in the first half, and 30 percent in the second half. Meanwhile, Howard Payne shot a sizzling 54 percent in the first half, including hitting 6-of-11 (54%) from the three-point line.
Ozarks trailed 24-16 at the 12:49 mark of the first half, but Howard Payne went on a 31-11 run to close out the half. Behind HPU's Meia Daniels 13 points, the Lady Jackets held a 55-27 advantage at intermission.
Howard Payne hit only 12 field goals in the second half, but held off Ozarks by nailing 14-of-17 (82%) from the free throw line. The HPU maintained a 30-plus lead throughout the majority of the final twenty minutes of play.
HPU's Meia Daniels (Fort Worth) led all scorers with 22 points. Forward Kim Hoffman (Bloomington) had a solid game with 15 points and a game-high 9 rebounds.
Ozark's Mandi Carter had a team-best 10 points. Tiffany Jewell had a team-high 6 rebounds.
The Lady Jackets will play at home next versus East Texas Baptist on Thursday at 5:30 p.m.
