BROWNWOOD, Texas - Howard Payne University was led by Jada Evans with a career high 24 points in the 81-73 home opener victory over Southwestern University Saturday afternoon in the Brownwood Coliseum.

Howard Payne forced 30 Southwestern turnovers converting them into 26 points. Despite being out rebounded 46-32 by Southwestern, the Lady Jackets were all over the offensive glass with half (16) coming on the offensive end.

After holding a slight 42-39 halftime advantage, the Lady Jacket defense held the Pirates to just five points in the third quarter on their way to the 81-73 final.

Along with her career high 24 points, Jada Evans also grabbed a career high seven steals and was 4 of 8 from the arc in the game. Valarie Matlock finished with 18 points and four assists. Presley McKethan added 16 points and three assists. Dominique Featherstone led the team in rebounding with eight.

Southwestern was led by Cecily Woolfolk with 31 points and 14 rebounds. Noels Pratts added 22 points.

Howard Payne is now 3-4 overall and Southwestern is 2-4 overall on the year. The Lady Jackets will play next on Saturday, Dec. 9th at Abilene Christian University, start time 2:00 pm.