Abram Choate, SID

SEGUIN, Texas – The Howard Payne Yellow Jackets posted a 64-58 win over Texas Lutheran University to secure an American Southwest Conference Tournament playoff spot at Memorial Gymnasium Thursday night.

It was close throughout the first half, but it was 6 straight points by the Jackets in the last :30 seconds of the first that gave HPU a 36-27 halftime lead. The Jackets shot 51.6% from the field in the first half while holding Texas Lutheran to just 36%.

A solid inside game both defensively and offensively by the Jackets allowed Howard Payne to extend their lead in the second to as much as 16, 57-41 with 5:34 to play. TLU battled back but was unable to truly get back in the game with HPU posting the 64-58 win. The Jackets out-rebounded Texas Lutheran 39-29 in the game.

Howard Payne was led by Lee Scott with 19 points. Brock Woods and Gary Thompson added 10 points each. Woods also finished with 6 assists.

Texas Lutheran was led by Brad Howard with a game high 22 points. Nate Wilson added 14 points for TLU.

The Jackets will travel to Kerrville to take on Schreiner University on Saturday at 3:00 PM to closeout the regular season. The Jackets will play in the first round of the ASC tournament in Belton on Friday, February 29 against Mississippi College.