BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Howard Payne University women's basketball team got off to a slow start Saturday afternoon but finished strong to roll away with a 69-44 victory over Sul Ross State University.
The Lady Jackets (12-8, 9-2 ASC) went scoreless on 0-8 shooting to start the game but settled in and took control in the second period behind the strong post play of senior center Sarahi Castillo and never looked back. Castillo finished the game with her seventh double-double on the season, 22 points and 21 rebounds (A career-high and the second most rebounds recorded in a game by a Howard Payne player ever.)
Castillo also had four blocks, two steals and two assists in one of her finest performances as a Yellow Jacket. Jada Evans added 10 points, including two clutch three-pointers in the second half to help Howard Payne fight off multiple scoring runs from the Lobos. Sul Ross State (9-11, 6-5 ASC) was held to just 29% shooting as the Lady Jackets would go on to lead by as many as 26 points in the contest.
Valerie Matlock finished with 11 points, six rebounds, and three steals and Micah Cisneroz added eight points. Sabrina Ochoa and Presley McKethan each had six points to round out the Howard Payne scoring on the day.
The game was scoreless for the first six minutes before a Sul Ross steal and fast break put them on the board first. Both teams had trouble connecting on their shots early, the Lady Jackets finished the first period 4-15 from the field and the Lobos shoot just 3-13. Matlock made back to back buckets at the rim to register Howard Payne's first two field goals and McKethan buried a big three-pointer towards end of period to put the Lady Jackets up 11-6 at the end of one period.
The two sides traded baskets early to start the second period with Yellow Jackets opting to get the ball into Sarahi Castillo and letting her do work in the paint. Sabrina Ochoa also took advantage of a couple of open looks to knock down consecutive treys from distance but the Lobos still managed to fight back to end the half. Bayli Bowles banked in a shot at the buzzer to bring the score to 28-21. Castillo finished the half with a double-double, 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Howard Payne out-scored Sul Ross 22-8 in the third period and they would go on to build their lead to 21 points. The Lady Jacket defense locked down and forced some costly turnover's to get themselves out on the fast break and ended the third period up, 50-29.
The Lobos finished the second half shooting just 27% from the field as Howard Payne began to cycle in their reserve players to finish the game. Play was a little sloppy to start but the Lady Jackets settled down and controlled the game. Whenever Sul Ross seemed to make a run, Jada Evans had an answer. She finished the game scoring all 10 of her points in the second period and when Julissa Ibarra drained a three with 1:42 left to go in the game, Howard Payne had climbed to their largest lead of the game and held on to collect the 69-44 victory.
Next up for the Lady Jackets is a home contest vs. McMurry University on February 2nd. Tip off is slated for 5:30 PM and Dallas Huston will have the call on KPSM 99.3. Attendance is $3 for adults, $2 for senior citizens, $1for kids ages 12-18, and kids under 12 are free. Live video and stats will be made available on HPUSports.com and follow along on Twitter @HPUwbsk and on Instagram @HPUSports for in-game updates, interactive content and more.
