ABILENE, Texas – The Howard Payne men's basketball team fell 81-66 to Hardin-Simmons University Saturday afternoon at the Mabee Athletic Complex.

Both teams shot over around 50% from the field in the opening half but Hardin-Simmons would connect on 8-of-16 from behind the arc to lead 51-42 at the break.

Hardin-Simmons pushed its lead to 22 midway through the second half. All of HPU's attempts to get back into the game come up short and Howard Payne fell 81-66 in the end. Hardin-Simmons would outrebound Howard Payne 45-33 in the game.

Khyce Randell had 16 points for the Jackets. Rickey Guillory added 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

Dashun Dixon led Hardin-Simmons with 18 points, Cameron Barnes had 14, Caleb Spoon had 12 and Nathaniel Jack finished with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Howard Payne is now 9-13 overall and 4-7 in American Southwest Conference play. Hardin-Simmons stands at 13-8 overall and 8-4 in league action. The Jackets will be at home on Thursday versus Concordia University Texas at 7:30 pm.