RICHARDSON, Texas – The Howard Payne men's basketball team shot 53% from behind the arc to claim a 63-57 conference win over the University of Texas at Dallas Tuesday at the UTD Activity Center.

Howard Payne used 50% shooting, 5 of 9 from behind the arc, in the first half to gain a 36-24 halftime advantage.

HPU kept a double digit lead through most of second half using 50% three-point shooting (4-8) to kept the Comets on the defensive.

With the Jackets leading by 16 with five minute left to play, UTD rallied to cut the Jacket lead to four, 61-57 with :55 seconds remaining.

The Jacket defense buckled down in the final minute and a free-throw by J Bailey and Brandon Gould gave Howard Payne the 63-57 conference victory.

Ty Davis led the Jackets with 17 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Davis was 5 of 8 from behind the arc. Gould followed with 16 points and three steals. J Bailey had nine points, seven rebounds and three blocks in the start.

UTD was led by Kyle Coulter with a game high 18 points and eight rebounds. Nolan Harvey had 10 points and Matthew Medell had a game high eight assists.

Howard Payne improves to 3-5 overall and 3-1 in ASC play. UTD stands at 7-3 overall and 3-3 in conference play. The Jackets will play next on December 29th at NCAA D-I Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.