ABILENE, Texas - The Howard Payne University men's basketball team shot just 34% from the field in a 71-55 loss to D-I Abilene Christian University Sunday afternoon at the Moody Coliseum.

Shooting 34% from the field, Howard Payne did not fair well from behind the arc at 20% shooting and at the line going 15 of 26 for 57.7%. The shooting between HPU and Abilene Christian proved to be the difference in the game with ACU connecting on 52% of its shots and 81% from at free-throw line.

With ACU leading by as much as 23 points early in the second half, the Jackets would be able to cut the deficit to 11 twice, the last time with under three minutes remaining in the game. A jumper by Donovan Jenkins made the game 64-53 ASC with 2:11 remaining. ACU would make free-throws down the stretch to claim the game 71-55.

The Jackets did force 18 Wildcats turnovers while committing 14 themselves and ACU won the rebounding battle 35-30.

Howard Payne was led by Khyce Randall with 10 points followed by Shadd Cole with nine points and three steals. Richey Guillory finished with eight points and three steals. The Jackets were led in rebounding by Donovan Jenkins with eight.

ACU was led by Jalone Friday with a game high 16 points followed by Jaren Lewis with 15 points and nine rebounds.

Howard Payne is now 1-2 overall and ACU stands at 3-2 on the year. The Yellow Jackets will have their home opener on Tuesday, Nov. 29 versus Southwestern University starting at 7:30 pm in the Brownwood Coliseum.

It's the first of three straight home appearances for Howard Payne and tickets are free for students.  

Tickets are $3 for Adults, $2 for Senior Citizens and $1 kids ages 12-18 (Kids under 12 – Free.) If you can't make it out to see the Howard Payne basketball, visit HPUSports.com for live stats and video and follow along on Twitter @HPUmbsk for in-game updates and more.