BROWNWOOD, Texas - The Howard Payne University women's basketball team held Hardin-Simmons University to just 27% shooting in an 83-54 conference victory for the Lady Jackets Thursday evening in the Brownwood Coliseum.

Howard Payne out rebounded Hardin-Simmons 52-46 and held the advantage in points in the paint 46-34.

The Lady Jackets jumped out to an early lead and never looked back outscoring the Cowgirls 27-10 in the first quarter. Howard Payne extended the lead in the second quarter to hold a 41-17 halftime advantage.

Howard Payne pushed its lead to as much as 34 points midway through the fourth quarter before claiming the 83-54 victory.

Six Lady Jackets recorded double digits in scoring led by Jada Evans' game high 20 points. Valarie Matlock had 16 points, six rebounds and four assists. Presley McKethan had 12 points and a game high six assists with three steals. Djimonii Jackson added 11 points. 

HPU's Anastasia Willis had a near double double with 10 points and nine rebounds. Chelsi Woodard added three blocks for the Lady Jackets.

Hardin-Simmons was led by Danie Maybry and Kaitlyn ellis with 13 points each. 

Howard Payne improves to 11-6 overall and 6-2 in American Southwest Conference action. Hardin-Simmons now stands at 4-12 overall and 2-7 in league play. The Lady Jackets will play next on Saturday at home versus McMurry University at 2:00 pm.