SAN ANGELO, Texas - The Howard Payne University men's basketball team fell 75-48 to Angelo State University at Stephens Arena on Sunday evening.

The Yellow Jackets came out the gate strong and only trailed Angelo State by three, 34-31 at the half. But they struggled to convert from the free throw line and turned the ball over 17 times, which led to 31 points for the Rams. Angelo State locked down on defense during the second half and held HPU to 18% shooting from the field to run away with the 75-48 victory.

Junior wing Rickey Guillory led the Jackets with 15 points and he also added, two blocks, four steals  six rebounds and three assists during the loss. Shadd Cole led the team in rebounds with seven in 23 minutes of playing time and Khyce Randall had eight points.

Howard Payne shot 55% from beyond the arc in the first half while holding Angelo State to 27% from the perimeter. The Jackets were able to keep the Rams out of the paint and keep the game close until the start of the second half. 

Angelo State put together a defensive stand that saw Howard Payne go 2-10 to start the half. The Rams upped their defensive intensity the rest of the way, holding the Jackets to 6-33 shooting. Whenever Howard Payne saw the bucket, it was met with physicality. 

The Jackets went to the free throw line 16 times and only converted 4 times to end the half. The Rams then finally found their stroke from the outside, converting five times from beyond tghe arc to build on their lead and run away with the 75-48 victory.

Next up for Howard Payne is a non-conference match-up vs. Incarnate Word tomorrow at 7:00 PM.Live stats and video can be obtained by going to HPUSports.com.