AUSTIN, Texas – The Howard Payne University women's basketball team's posted its 56-44 conference loss to Concordia University Texas Saturday afternoon at Concordia Fieldhouse.

The Lady Jackets struggled to from the field for the second consecutive game shooting only 28% from the floor in the game. Concordia did not fare much better shooting just 36%. Concordia did outrebound Howard Payne 46-34 in the game.

Howard Payne outscored Concordia 19-9 in the final period but it was not enough to make up for the 22 point difference going into the fourth quarter.

Shooting just 26% from the field in the first half, the Lady Jackets found themselves down 29-19 at the halftime break. Concordia connected on 37% of its shots in the opening half.

Presley McKethan led HPU with 16 points and four steals. Valarie Matlock added 11 points and Doninique Featherstone pulled down eight rebounds.

Concordia was led by Jaela Dejean with 21 points and five steals. Mercedes Ellison followed with 13 points and four steals.

Howard Payne is now 12-8 overall and 8-4 in American Southwest Conference action. Concordia improves to 10-10 overall and 6-6 in league play. The Lady Jackets will play next at home on Sat., Feb. 3rd versus Sul Ross State University at 2:00 pm.