BELTON, Texas – The Howard Payne University women's basketball team fell, 79-75 to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in a tough fought and close contest that was pushed into overtime in the final seconds of regulation. 

The lead was tied 16 times and there was a total of 14 lead changes in a game that went down to the very last wire. It wasn't until overtime when the Lady Cru were able to pull ahead for good after holding Howard Payne to 2-10 shooting from the floor.

Sarahi Castillo surpassed her career-high in points, finishing with 28 while adding nine rebounds, and three blocks. Micah Cisneroz finished with her second double-double of the season, 17 points, and 10 rebounds and Valerie Matlock added 12 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals in the loss. 

The Lady Jackets used the tandem of Cisneroz and Castillo to rack up 28 points in the paint but UMHB received scoring contributions from eight players while totaling 39 points off the bench to help themselves squeak past Howard Payne and collect their 16th victory of the season. 

Presley McKethan helped spark the Lady Jacket offense to start the game, finishing with all ten of her points in the first half. The Lady Cru did jump out and take an eight point lead to begin the second period before Howard Payne battled back to end the half. Julissa Ibarra and McKethan each hit three's to cut the first half deficit to 31-30. 

The third period got off to a favorable start for the Lady Jackets as they raced out to a five-point lead early. They held the lead the rest of the period until UMHB hit a three-pointer with .56 seconds left in the period to take a brief one-point lead. Sarahi Castillo Answered on the other end with a shot from distance herself and the two teams entered the final period of play in a 51-51 tie. 

The Lady Cru took control of the lead early to start the fourth period but the lead would go on to change several times. Valarie Matlock converted on a layup in the paint to give Howard Payne a two-point lead, 69-67 with 8 seconds left to go. UMHB's Neal Haven grabbed a rebound off a missed layup and put up a bucket with 2 seconds left to force the game into overtime. 

The Lady Jackets played from behind the entire overtime period and the Lady Cru would go on to build a six-point lead with 1:13 left in overtime. Castillo and CIsneroz hit back to back buckets to cut into the deficit until UMH was able to pull away with the 79-75 win in the final minutes. 

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 1:00 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 @HPUwbsk and on Instagram @HPUSports.