BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Howard Payne University women's basketball team needed overtime to defeat Belhaven University 74-70 Saturday afternoon at the Brownwood Coliseum.

Belhaven led most of the first half with Howard Payne only holding an 11-10 lead right before the end of the first quarter.

After being down 31-27 at the break, HPU battled back to take a 41-40 lead with just under three minutes left in the third quarter. Both teams would be tied at 46-46 going into the fourth quarter.

With neither team scoring in the final 2:33 of regulation, the game ended in a 63-63 tie and headed to overtime.

Sparked by three pointers by Valeria Matlock and Danyel Bradley, the Lady Jackets jumped out to an eight point lead 71-63 midway through the overtime period. Belhaven battled back to within two, 72-70 with six seconds remaining. Two free-throws by Sarahi Castillo secured the victory for the Lady Jackets 74-70.

The Lady Jackets forced 26 Belhaven turnovers in the game but were outrebounded by the Blazers 61-40.

Danyel Bradley led all scorers with a season high 33 points and a game high seven assists and five steals. She was 14-for-19 from the field and 4-for-6 from behind the arc. Yessenia Cazares followed with 14 points. Sarahi Castillo had her second double double of the season with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Valeria Matlock added a career high 12 points off the bench.

Candler Gregory led Belhaven with 20 points. Jasmine Brown, Vamikka Smith and Ieshia Smith each added 12 points. Jacinda Smith grabbed a game high 20 rebounds.

Howard Payne is now 6-8 overall and Belhaven stands at 6-7 overall after the loss. The Lady Jackets will play next at home on Thursday versus Hardin-Simmons University at 5:30 pm 
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