Abram Choate, SID

ABILENE, Texas – Facing McMurry University for the second time in a week, the Howard Payne Lady Jackets handed out yet another defeat, 56-51 in Kimbrell Arena.

Howard Payne came away with a win tonight in a difficult atmosphere to play in, as Kimbrell Arena almost always is. Although having a substantial lead in Brownwood last week, the Lady Jackets found themselves down by two as they entered the locker room, 25-27.

The competition proved stiff as both teams continued throughout the majority of the second half to fight back and forth, with McMurry leading until late in the game.

Free throws by Meia Daniels around the five minute allowed Howard Payne their first lead of the second half. Daniels continued to lead her team by getting back-to-back steals, followed by a break away lay-up to gain the Lady Jackets their biggest lead of the game, 50-44.

With nine seconds remaining in the game, Hope Hohertz hit a pair of key free throws in order to seal the win for the Lady Jackets.

An outstanding performance by All-American Meia Daniels, who led in scoring with 23 points, 13 of which came from the free throw line. She also had a game-high 9 steals. Stacey Blalock impressively contributed 12 points and 5 rebounds, and Hope Hohertz and Kim Hoffman each grabbed 7 rebounds, respectively.

McMurry's All-American Tara Richardson led the team with 15 points and 7 rebounds. She was followed closely by Maigan Sawyer with 10 points.

Howard Payne improves their perfect record to 20-0, 16-0 in the American Southwest Conference. McMurry falls to 17-3, 14-2 in conference play.