CLARKSVILLE, Ark – Howard Payne's Sterling Smoak scored a game high 20 points to lead the Yellow Jackets to an 86-69 conference win over the University of the Ozarks Monday evening.

After leading 39-29 at the break, the Yellow Jackets used 65% shooting in the second to put Ozarks away in the 89-69 conference victory.,

Howard Payne outrebounded Ozarks 50-39 and dominated the Eagles in points in the paint 48-26.

With Ozarks leading by four with eight minutes remaining in the first half, the Jackets put together a run outscoring Ozarks the rest of the half 21-7.

The Jackets started the second half with another run and would eventually lead by as much as 19 points, with 10:59 left in the game.

HPU was lead by Sterling Smoak with a game high 20 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. Four other Jackets were in double digits, Brandon Gould with 13 points and a game high six assists, Jorden Young with 13, and J Bailey and Khyce Randall with 10 points each.

Howard Payne's bench outscored Ozarks 42-14 and the Jackets led in fast break points 22-4.

Kelby Robinson led Ozarks with 17 followed by Ted Beard with 15 points and nine rebounds.

Howard Payne is now 5-6 overall and 5-1 in American Southwest Conference play. Ozarks falls to 5-6 overall and 3-5 in conference. The Yellow Jackets will play next Saturday at home versus Louisiana College at 3:00 pm.