Abram Choate, SID

BROWNWOOD, Texas- Howard Payne University grabbed the lead early against McMurry University in the second round of playoffs and holds on to win 79-64. A well fought battle on Saturday at the Brownwood Coliseum advances Howard Payne Yellow Jackets to the Sweet Sixteen.

Howard Payne jumped out to an 11-0 lead. McMurry got on the board with 15:30 remaining with two made free throws by Tarra Richardson. An over aggressive defense by McMurry allowed the Lady Jackets to score 16 from the free throw line in the first half.

The Jackets led by double digits 19-7 with 11:15 left in the first half. Several turnovers by McMurry's offense allowed Howard Payne to keep its lead with 5:20 remaining in the first half. McMurry closed the gap to 34-27 with a tight defensive play with 2:00 remaining in the half. Howard Payne University led at the break 36-27.

Leading scorers in the first half were for McMurry Tara Richardson with 14 and Howard Payne's Meia Daniels Payne with 13.

McMurry started off quick in the second half with a three pointer followed by a lay up. In the first four minutes of the half the Jackets scored ten. McMurry outscored the Lady Jackets by eight points in the first ten minutes of the second half. Howard Payne remained ahead 59-45 with 10:00 left in the game.

With seven minutes remaining McMurry closed the Jackets' lead to 60-51. McMurry's stifling defense brought the Jackets to a single digit lead with 4:05 left on the clock. Howard Payne regained its composure and stretched its lead to 72-60 with 2:00 left in the game. The Jackets finished the game off 79-64 continuing their 29 game winning streak.

Meia Daniels led the Lady Jackets with 27 points. Kimberly Hoffman scored 20 points, 16 from the free throw line. Daniels surpassed 2,000 points in her career on her third points of the night. Hope Hohertz also contributed with 11 points and nine rebounds. Howard Payne shot 46.3 percent from the floor and 75.6 percent from the free throw line

Leading scorers for McMurry were Tara Richardson with 24 and Maigan Sawyer with 14. Amber Horton chipped in with ten points and eight rebounds. McMurry shot 36.7 percent from the floor and 73.7 percent from the free throw line.

Howard Payne will play DeSales University on Friday at a time and place to be announced on Sunday.