PINEVILLE, Louisiana – The Howard Payne men's basketball team could not hold onto a five point halftime lead falling 67-62 to Louisiana College Thursday evening at H.O. West Fieldhouse.

The Yellow Jackets jumped out to an early lead gaining 13-2 advantage. A Ty Davis layup gave Howard Payne an eleven point lead just under four minutes into the game.

Davis would finish with a game high 19 points along with six rebounds.

After leading 37-32 at the beak, the Wildcats would gain the lead five minutes into the second half.

With the Louisiana College leading by one, 61-60 with 4:40 left to play, the Jackets would struggle offensively the rest of the game. The only bucket by HPU would be by Khyce Randall, a layup with nine seconds remaining.

Shooting 40% from the field in the first half, the Jackets hit only 26% of their shots in the second half. Howard Payne did outrebound LC 51-44 in the game.

Brandon Gould followed Davis' 19 points with 13 points. Sterling Smoak grabbed a team high seven rebounds.

LC was led by Anthony Gaines, Jr. with 17 points and seven rebounds. Kevin Cottonham followed with 12 points.

Howard Payne is now 11-11 overall and 11-6 in American Southwest Conference play. Louisiana College is now 12-8 overall and 12-5 in conference. Howard Payne will play at home on Monday versus Sul Ross State at 7:30 pm.
,