TYLER, Texas – The Howard Payne University men's basketball team had an opportunity at the buzzer to send the game to overtime but would fall 59-56 to the University of Texas at Tyler in the American Southwest Conference opener Thursday evening.

Howard Payne, who led 19-17 at halftime, allowed six second half three-pointer the Patriots outscored HPU 42-37 in the second half. A hard push by Howard Payne in the closing minutes gave the Jackets an opportunity as Volney Willis nearly hit a 3-point buzzer-beater which would have forced overtime.

Neither team shot the ball well in the game with Howard Payne at 29% shooting from the field and Texas-Tyler at 30% shooting for the game.

Howard Payne was led by Rickey Guillory with a team high 17 points along with seven rebounds and a game high four assists and three steals. Evan Vaden scored 13 off the bench and Volney Willis followed with 12 points. Curtis Gile grabbed a team high nine rebounds.

Texas-Tyler's Demarcus Metcalf finished the game with a double-double with 14 rebounds and 10 points, while Ja'Carre Crockett had eight points. UT-Tyler was led by 

Howard Payne in now 0-6 overall and 0-1 in American Southwest Conference action. Texas-Tyler stands at 3-1 overall and 1-0 in conference play. The Jackets will play next at LeTourneau University on Saturday. It will be a 3:00 pm start time.