Box Score JACKSON, Mississippi - The Howard Payne University women's basketball team forced 31 Belhaven University turnovers in a 78-53 conference victory Thursday evening.

The Lady Jackets converted 31 Blazer turnovers into 44 points while only committing seven themselves. 

After leading 26-10 at the end of the first quarter, Belhaven rallied to get back into the game but the Lady Jackets would still hold a 36-32 halftime advantage.

It was all Howard Payne in the second half with the Lady Jackets using a 26-10 fourth quarter to secure the 78-53 conference win.

HPU's Presley McKethan and Jada Evans lead all scorers with 18 points each, Valarie Matlock added a game high six steals, five assists along with 11 points. Anastasia Willis had 10 points and seven rebounds. Evans also grabbed a game high eight rebounds.

Alexis Caldwell led Belhaven with 12 points followed by AaLiyaha Thornton with 10.

Howard Payne is now 5-5 overall and 2-1 in American Southwest Conference action. Belhaven is 0-8 overall and 0-3 in league play. The Lady Jackets will be at Louisiana College in Pineville, LA on Saturday for a 2:00 pm conference game.