ARKADELPHIA, Ark. - The Howard Payne men's basketball team outscored Ouachita Baptist 46-34 in the second half but would fall in the end 74-64 in exhibition action Tuesday evening at Vining Arena.

The Yellow Jackets battled back from an 40-18 halftime deficit, to pull within four, 50-46 with 9:55 to play in the game. It was an 18-1 run at the start of the game for Ouachita that put the Jackets playing from behind.

Howard Payne would hold Ouachita to just one point the first five minutes of the second half and outscore them 28-10 in the first 10 minutes of the second. The Jackets shot 52% from the field in the second half and 39% for the game.

Ouachita would push their lead up to 13 points with five minutes remaining and hold on for the 74-64 win.

HPU's Brandon Gould led all scorers with 23 points on 10-for-14 shooting. Gould also had five assists and eight rebounds. Jorden Young followed with 11 points. Khyce Randall had 10 points and six rebounds off the bench.

Ouachita was led by Colt Fason with 18 points and 10 rebounds, David Berete added 14 points. 

Howard Payne will open their regular season on November 21-22 at the Austin College Classic in Sherman, Texas. HPU will play the University of Dallas on Friday at 6:00 pm and host Austin College on Saturday at 4:00 pm. After playing at Texas State on November 30th, the Yellow Jackets will have their home opener on Thursday, December 4th versus Mary Hardin-Baylor at 7:30 pm.