Abram Choate, SID

BROWNWOOD, TX – The Howard Payne Yellow Jackets held off a late rally and defeated McMurry University 86-81 to hold on to fourth place in the American Southwest Conference West Division Thursday night.

McMurry cut the lead to 84-81 with 10 seconds remaining, however, Lee Scott hit two free throws with six seconds left to seal the game for the Yellow Jackets.

The Jackets shot 59.4% in the first half to take a 47-29 halftime lead. Howard Payne shot 58% for the game on 36 of 62 shooting.

Howard Payne's starters all scored in double figures for the evening with Lee Scott leading the way with 24 points. Scott had 17 of his 24 points in the first half and finished 9 of 14 from the field. Tom Hermann scored 16 and Gary Thompson, Bryan Blalock and Brock Woods all scored 12 apiece. Woods also had a game high 7 assists.

Dewayne Hall finished with 22 points for McMurry, Chris Beck had 20 points and 10 boards and Alex Robles added 19.

The Yellow Jackets evened their overall record at 9-9 and also in ASC competition with a 7-7 mark. McMurry falls to 8-10 on the season and 5-9 in league play.

The Jackets will take on Hardin-Simmons at 3:00 PM on Saturday in the Brownwood Coliseum.