TYLER, Texas – The Howard Payne men's basketball team found back from a 21-point first half deficit to claim a 76-71 conference victory over the University of Texas at Tyler Saturday afternoon.

Both teams started the game even but midway through the first half UT-Tyler made a run to build a 39-18 advantage with 3:09 remaining in the half.

The Yellow Jackets made a push in the closing minutes of the first sparked by play from freshman Khyce Randall, Rickey Guillory and J Bailey to pull to within 11, 40-29 at the break.

The Jackets continued to chip away at the Patriot lead in the second using offensive play in the paint. Howard Payne would outscore UTT 46-10 in points in the paint for the game.

Howard Payne used an 8-2 run midway through the second to take the lead 58-57 on a Ty Davis three-point bucket with 6:59 remaining.

Though UTT would tie the game at 69-69 with 2:41 left to play, the Jackets would never let go of the lead and hold on for the 76-71 victory.

The Jackets had balanced scoring with four players in double digits. Freshman Rickey Guillory had his best game as a Yellow Jacket with 16 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and three steals. Khyce Randall had 14 points and J Bailey followed with 13 points and seven rebounds. Ty Davis added 12 points and six rebounds.

UTT was led by Chris Rios with a game high 22 points and five assists. Tyler Jacobs had 14 points and 17 rebounds. Anthony Gonzales Jr. added 17 points.

Howard Payne improves to 4-6 overall and 4-1 in conference play. UTT stands at 1-11 overall and 0-7 in conference. The Yellow Jackets will play next on Monday, January 5^th at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, AR.