ABILENE, Texas – The Howard Payne University completed its fourth consecutive road contest with a 67-52 victory over Hardin-Simmons University on Thursday evening at the Mabee Complex.
After being in control the majority of the game, the Lady Jackets (9-7, 6-2 ASC) fought off a late fourth period rally from the Cowgirls (6-9, 2-5 ASC) to collect their sixth conference victory of the season. Presley McKethan led Howard Payne with 16 points while also collecting seven assists, six rebounds, and five steals.
Valarie Matlock matched her career high, 12 rebounds while also scoring 13 points and forcing five steals to help pace the Lady Jacket offense on the night. Micah Cisneroz added 12 points, eight rebounds and Sarahi Castillo finished the night with eight points, eight rebounds and a career-high eight blocks.
Howard Payne used the hot shooting of Presley McKethan and Micah Cisneroz, who both hit two shots from distance, to rush out to a 13 point-lead to start out the game. Up 21-8 to start the second period, the Yellow Jackets built their largest lead, going up by 19 points to closeout the second period.
By the end of the first half, Howard Payne had three players reach double figures in scoring while forcing Hardin-Simmons into committing 12 turnovers to roll to a 41-23 halftime lead. Howard Payne would never lead by less than eight points the rest of the way.
Heidi Schroeder did have some success in the second half for Hardin-Simmons, getting to the paint for some easy layup's and creating contact to get to the free throw line. She helped cut the Howard Payne lead to 56-48 with 3:20 remaining in the game. But for every rally the Cowgirls made, The Lady Jackets were able to answer with solid play from the whole team.
Howard Payne is now 6-1 in conference and will take on McMurry University on Saturday, January 14th in Abilene. Tip-off is slated for 1:30 PM and Dallas Huston will have the call on 99.3 FM. Live links and video can be found on HPUSports.com and follow @HPUwbsk on Twitter for in-game updates and more.
