BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Howard Payne University women's basketball team used a third quarter surge to defeat Hardin-Simmons University 81-59 Thursday evening.

Outrebounding Hardin-Simmons 27-13 in the first half, Howard Payne would lead 41-34 at the halftime break.

The Lady Jackets amped up the defense in the third quarter holding the Cowgirls to just seven points while scoring 26 themselves.

Two free-throws by Jessica Leaks with 9:27 remaining in the fourth would give HPU its largest lead of the game, 69-41. Howard Payne would hold strong the rest of the way to post the 81-59 victory.

Danyel Bradley led all scorers with 23 points on 10 of 17 shooting from the field. Bradley also had three assists and a game high four steals. Sarahi Castillo tied her career high with 19 points along with 11 rebounds. Presley McKethan added 10 points.

Hardin-Simmons was led by Madison Spears with 15 points. Heidi Schroeder grabbed 10 rebounds.

Howard Payne is now 7-8 overall and stands in the top spot in the American Southwest Conference West Division with a 3-3 record. Hardin-Simmons falls to 5-11 overall and 3-4 in league play. The Lady Jackets will play McMurry University on Saturday at 1:00 pm in the Brownwood Coliseum.

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