BROWNWOOD, Texas – DJ Gardner scored a game high 16 points off the bench to lead Howard Payne University to a 70-62 conference win over Louisiana College Monday evening.

Howard Payne shot 50% from the field in the second half while holding Louisiana College to 31% in the half and 38% for the game to secure the 70-62 victory.

The Yellow Jackets jumped out to a lead midway through the first half and would hold their largest advantage of the game with four minutes to play in the opening period.

Two free-throws by DJ Gardner gave Howard Payne a 33-21 lead with 4:02 remaining in the first period. Gardner would finish with a game high 16 points off the bench along with seven rebounds.

With the game tied at 60-60, the Jackets would go 6-of-6 from the line and get some key stops in the final three minutes to defeat the Wildcats 70-62.

Along with Gardner's 16 points, Rickey Guillory added 15 points on 4-of-8 shooting with four steals. Khyce Randall followed with 12 points.

Anthony Gaines finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds for LC. Steve Evans had 13 points, John Parker had 11 and Dylan Brewer had 10.

Howard Payne is now 8-11 overall and 4-5 in American Southwest Conference play. Louisiana College stands at 7-9 overall and 4-4 in league action. The Jackets will play next at Sul Ross State University on Saturday at 3:00 pm.