TYLER, Texas - The Howard Payne University women's basketball team used a late run to defeat Whitworth University 78-75 Monday afternoon in non-conference action. Jada Evans finished with a career high 28 points.

Howard Payne forced 29 Whitworth turnovers to ballance out Whitworth shooting 53% from the field and out rebounding the Lady Jackets 37-26 in the game.

Down 45-33 at the half, the Lady Jackets would outscore the Pirates 21-15 in the third and 24-15 in the fourth to claim the 78-75 victory.

An 8-0 run midway through the fourth and a layup and later free-throw by HPU's Jada Evans secured the win for the Lady Jackets. Evans finished with a career high 28 points off the bench on 11 of 19 shooting. Valarie Matlock had 13 points and Anastasia Willis finished with 10 points. 

Whitworth was led by Madison Moffat with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Grace Douglas followed with 16 points.

Howard Payne is now 7-5 overall and Whitworth stands at 6-4 on the year. The Lady Jackets will play next after the holiday break, Thur. Jan 4th versus the University of Texas at Tyler at home at 5:30 pm.