BELTON, Texas – The Howard Payne University men's basketball team overcame a nine-point deficit push the game into the final minutes but fell, 80-74 on Saturday afternoon at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor.  

Khyce Randall converted two free-throws and then proceeded to bury back-to-back three-pointers to help the Jackets come within two points of the lead, 76-74 with 47 seconds left to go. But, the Crusaders (15-8, 8-6 ASC) were able to hold off the Howard Payne rally by converting four straight free throws to close out the game with the 80-74 win. 

Leading all players with 30 points, Khyce Randall finished just two points shy of matching his career-high, while also grabbing eight rebounds, and collecting three steals. De'Marcus Hurd added 16 points on 4-6 shooting from range to help lead the Jackets offense. Rickey Guillory had 11 points and J Bailey pulled down 13 rebounds during the loss. 

The Howard Payne (12-11, 8-7 ASC) bench outscored the Crusaders bench 17-10 and the defense forced 12 turnovers which led to 18-second chance points for the Jackets. There were ten lead changes and eight times where the game was tied but UMHB was able to pull away in the final minutes with some timely free throws. 

The Yellow Jackets raced out to build a six-point lead to start the first half only to see the Crusaders pull ahead by four, 19-15 with 12 minutes left until halftime. The two sides exchanged leads the rest of the half until Khyce Randall converted on a fast break and picked up the foul in the final seconds. After burying the free-throw after, Howard Payne took a 39-38 lead into the locker room. 

UMHB's Daniel Mills started the second half hot and went on to score six quick points to help give his squad a seven-point lead with 13 minutes remaining in the half. De'Marcus Hurd responded with a three-pointer on the ensuing possession but the Crusader's responded with a nine-point scoring run to build an 11 point lead with just 2:52 left to play. 

After eight straight points and two three-pointers from Khyce Randall, the game was brought within two points, 76-74 with 47 seconds left on the clock. UMHB would settle down, collect some contact and finish the game out at the free-throw line to pick up their eighth ASC victory. 

Howard Payne will next head to Sul Ross State University to play their final regular season game of the year. Tip-off is slated for 3:00 PM on February, 18th. You can listen to Dallas Huston on the call on KPSM 99.3 or access live stats and video feeds at HPUSports.com. For in-game updates, interactive content and more, follow along on Twitter @HPUmbsk and on Instagram @HPUSports.