Abram Choate, SID

TYLER, Texas – The Howard Payne Lady Jackets win their first-round American Southwest Conference Tournament game over Louisiana College 78-61 at the Patriot Center.

The Lady Jackets improve to 26-0 on the season and will take on Hardin-Simmons University on Saturday at 3:00 PM. Louisiana College finishes their season at 15-11 overall.

Howard Payne led the entire game holding a 39-28 halftime advantage. The Lady Jackets shot 40% from the field in the first half.

HPU extended their lead to as much as 26 with 10:25 to play in the game. The Lady Jackets went on to secure the 76-61 win. Howard Payne out-rebounded Louisiana College 45-35 in the game.

Meia Daniels led the Lady Jackets with 17 points on 3 of 8 shooting, she was 10 of 10 from the free-throw line. Stacey Blalock added 13 points and Mionca Hall followed with a career high 12 points.

Louisiana College was led by Christy Pantallion with a game high 21 points. Tillisha Givens added 11 points.