Abram Choate, SID

BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Howard Payne Lady Jackets forced 21 consecutive missed shots in the first half allowing a 34-10 halftime lead from which McMurry University couldn't recover. The #2 ranked Lady Yellow Jackets held on for a 58-46 victory over #6 ranked McMurry Thursday night at Brownwood Coliseum.

Just minutes into the game the score was 9-8 in favor of HPU with 14:56 remaining. However, from there, McMurry missed every shot it took for the remainder of the half and the Lady Jackets closed the first half with a 25-2 run.

After an 11% shooting effort in the first half, McMurry rebounded for a 43% showing in the second half, 29.7% for the game. HPU was able to post a 41% shooting mark for the contest.

In the second half, McMurry outscored the Lady Yellow Jackets 36-24; the McMurry full-court press caused turnovers and allowed McMurry to cut the deficit. Turnovers were a struggle for both squads as HPU finished with 28 and McMurry finished with 20.

Howard Payne has a three-game win streak over McMurry at the Brownwood Coliseum after Thursday night's win. The Lady Yellow Jackets are 8-2 in the two teams' last 10 meetings.

Stacey Blalock led all scorers with 21 points for Howard Payne. The senior was 8 of 14 from the field and had 8 rebounds. Her teammates Katy Sarem and Meia Daniels helped with 10 points apiece. Kim Hoffman added 10 boards.

Tarra Richardson finished with 12 points and a game high 15 boards. Maigen Sawyer scored eight in the losing effort for McMurry.

With the win the Lady Jackets match the most consecutive wins in school history with 18. HPU improved to 18-0 and 13-0 in league play while McMurry fell to 16-2 and 12-1 in the ASC.

Howard Payne will play Hardin-Simmons on Saturday at 1:00 PM in the Brownwood Coliseum.