BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Howard Payne men's basketball team use a second half surge to secure a 77-67 victory over conference opponent Louisiana College Saturday afternoon in the Brownwood Coliseum.

With the win, Howard Payne improved to 6-1 in conference play, their best start in ASC play ever. HPU started the 2005-06 season with a 5-2 record and would go on to win 13 straight conference games.

Both teams played close in the first half with the Yellow Jackets holding a 35-33 lead at the break. Howard Payne outrebounded Louisiana College 26-19 in the first half.

With the game tied at 50-50 with 13:17 to play in the game, the Jackets put together a 13-0 run to lead 63-50 with 7:41 remaining. HPU's Brandon Gould would score seven of the thirteen points on the run on his way to 24 on the night.

The Wildcats rallied late to pull within six, with 1:03 remaining but the Jackets held down the stretch to claim the 77-67 victory.

Brandon Gould had six rebounds, four assists and four steals to along with his team high 24 points. Rickey Guillory followed with 12 points. Sterling Smoak grabbed a team high seven rebounds with five blocks. The Jackets would shoot 47% from the field.

LC was led by Anthony Gaines Jr. with a game high 25 points and 14 rebounds. Kevin Cottonham added 14 points. The Jackets held the Wildcats to just 35% shooting from the field for the game

Howard Payne stands at 6-6 overall and 6-1 in American Southwest Conference action. Louisiana College is now 4-6 overall and 4-3 in conference play. The Jackets play next on January 15th at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas.
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