TYLER, Texas – Despite a game high 21-point performance from Valarie Matlock, the Howard Payne University women's basketball team fell in its season opener 83-54 to the University of Texas at Tyler Friday evening at the Patriot Center.

27% game shooting and being outrebounded 53-31 by UT Tyler proved to be the difference in the Howard Payne 83-54 non-conference loss.

With Howard Payne shooting less than 20% from the field in the opening quarter, UT Tyler held a 19-10 advantage at the end of the first.

UT Tyler extended its lead to 16 with just under four minutes left in the second quarter but back to back buckets by Valarie Matlock sparked a small run by the Lady Jackets to make it 43-33 at the half.

The Lady Jackets made a run to begin the third quarter and a layup by Matlock with 5:45 left in the quarter brought HPU to within three, 46-43.

Howard Payne's shooting woes continued and Patriots would build a 25 point lead on their way to the 83-54 final.

Matlock led all scorers with 21 point and 3 of 6 shooting from behind the arc. Chelsi Woodard had a team high seven rebounds along with a game high five blocks.

UT Tyler was led by Demi Cumby with 15 points and Alex Kochner with 12 rebounds.

The Lady Jackets will be at Stephen F Austin on Saturday for a 1:00 pm game versus the NCAA D-I opponent.