Jackets Fall To Ozarks

Lane Garrett, HPU Sports Information Intern

BROWNWOOD, Texas- The Howard Payne Yellow Jacket basketball team dropped their home opener to the University of the Ozarks 76-79 Thursday evening.

Howard Payne's John Bryant had a chance to tie the game with 2 seconds left, but missed on the three point attempt.

At the end of the first half, the Yellow Jackets trailed by five, 41-46. Even though HPU shot 56 percent from the floor in the half, Ozarks' 21 to 13 free throw difference was the difference.

In the second, the Jackets made a late run to pull the game within three points. Ozarks hit a layup with 30 seconds left, but HPU's three point attempt to tie the game at the buzzer did not fall. Ozark won 79-76.
Ozarks out-rebounded the Jackets 79-76. Turnovers were about even, HPU at 21 and Ozarks at 22.

Brandon Irwin led all scorers with 25 points and 7 rebounds. Behind him was John Bryant with 17 points and 4 rebounds. Senior Keith Perry also had 13 points and 4 steals on the night. Zane Smith dished out a game high seven assists.

Ozarks was led by Josh Odon with 21 and Blake Mitchem followed with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Colby Woolverton added 14.

HPU falls to 0-5 overall and 0-3 in the ASC play. Ozarks goes to 4-3 on the year and 3-0 in the ASC.

The Yellow Jackets next game is at home Saturday Dec. 5 at 3pm against University of Texas at Dallas.
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