Abram Choate, SID

ABILENE, Texas - The Jackets of Howard Payne only managed 34% shooting in the game and fell to the Cowboys of Hardin-Simmons University 95-70 Thursday night in the Mabee Athletic Complex.

HSU jumped to an early lead and never really looked back. Both teams started cold and it was 2-2 with 14:33 to go in the first half. HSU then went on a 12-4 run to take a 16-6 lead at the 10:23 mark. HPU was only able to get within 10 points twice the rest of the half. HSU led 43-25 at intermission.

Hardin-Simmons came out strong and pushed it to 51-28, before HPU went on a 10-1 run to cut it to 54-42. They would not get closer than 11 the rest of the game.

Lee Scott had 15 points to lead Howard Payne. He was the only Yellow Jacket in double figures.

HSU's Matt Brackett led with 22 points and eight rebounds. Zach Pickelman and Michael Dinkins had 16 points each and Mardochee Jean recorded 10 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks.

The Yellow Jackets will play again on Saturday on the road agianst McMurry University.