BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Howard Payne University men's basketball team played from behind the entire game in a 97-83 loss to conference opponent East Texas Baptist University Monday evening at the Brownwood Coliseum.

The Yellow Jackets struggled in the first half shooting connecting on just 24% of their shots. East Texas Baptist was 46% from the field and out rebounded HPU 32-23 in the opening half.

Down 41-25 at the half, the Jackets would be able to cut the Tiger lead to 10 in the closing minutes but would fall in the end 97-83.

Khyce Randall finished with 23 points and a game high 12 rebounds, passing 500 for his career. De'Marcus Hurd had 22 points. Colton Otts added 11 points.

ETBU was led by Darrice Whitley with a game high 24 points and five assists.

Howard Payne is now 7-8 overall and 3-4 in American Southwest Conference action. ETBU improves to 11-2 overall and 5-2 in league play. The Jackets will play next on the road at Sul Ross State in Alpine, Texas on Saturday, Jan. 13th at 4:00 pm.