BROWNWOOD, Texas - The Howard Payne University men's basketball team was defeated 75-64 by Hardin-Simmons University Thursday evening in conference action.

Despite the Yellow Jackets out rebounding the Cowboys 49-31, Hardin-Simmons used 55% second half shooting to give Howard Payne a 75-64 conference loss.

The Jackets would hold a 34-32 halftime advantage but Hardin-Simmons outscored Howard Payne 43-30 in the second half. The Jackets struggled to connect from beyond the arc shooting 2 of 14 long range.

The Jackets also from the free-throw line only going 4 of 9 on the night while the Cowboys hit 19 of 27 free-throws.

Howard Payne was led by Khyce Randall and Shadd Cole with 13 points each. Randall also pulled down a game high 11 rebounds. De'Marcus Hurd added 12 points.

Joe Hoeup led Hardin-Simmons with 21 points followed by Chris Battett and Keenan Holdman with 15 points each.

Howard Payne falls to 7-10 overall and 3-6 in American Southwest Conference play. Hardin-Simmons now stands at 6-11 overall and 4-5 in league play. The Jackets will play next on Saturday at home versus McMurry University at 4:00 pm.