BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Howard Payne University women's basketball team moved into a tie for first place in the American Southwest Conference West Division with a 75-62 victory over McMurry University Saturday afternoon at the Brownwood Coliseum.

The Lady Jackets held McMurry to just 38% shooting from the floor while forcing 22 War Hawk turnovers and leading the rebounding battle 41-35.

After leading 42-25 at the half, the Lady Jackets would push their lead to as much as 19 midway through the fourth quarter. McMurry made a late push but Howard Payne held on for the 75-62 victory.

HPU's Valarie Matlock led all scorers with 24 points along with four assists and six steals. Freshman Chelsey Harris scored 20 off the bench.

Skyler Reyna led McMurry with 20 points followed by Sham Hunter with 16 points.

Howard Payne is now 12-6 overall and 8-2 in American Southwest Conference action. McMurry falls to 10-7 overall and 8-3 in league play. The Lady Jackets will play next on Thurs., Jan. 25th at 5:30 pm in Belton, Texas versus Mary Hardin-Baylor.