LONGVIEW, Texas - The Howard Payne men's basketball team used stellar defense and shooting in the second half to down LeTourneau University 76-64 Thursday evening in conference action.

With a loss by first place Hardin-Simmons, the Yellow Jackets more into a first place tie with HSU after the victory over LeTourneau.

After shooting 30% from the field of the first half, the Yellow Jackets shot a red-hot 59% to outscore LeTourneau 47-30 in the second half. Howard Payne held Letu to just 26% shooting in the second half and outrebounded them 50-42 for the game.

Brandon Gould led HPU with 17 points along with six rebounds. Ty Davis followed with 15 points and seven rebounds. Curtis Gile had 13 points with a game high 12 rebounds. Howard Payne was 6 of 12 from behind the three-point line led by Ty Davis who hit 3 of 5. 

Letu was led by Josh Thornton with 18 points followed by Giovanny Thompson with 15 points. 

Howard Payne is now 7-6 overall and 7-1 in American Southwest Conference play. LeTourneau is 4-10 overall and 2-7 in conference. The Yellow Jackets will play next on Saturday versus East Texas Baptist in Marshall, Texas at 3:00 pm.