BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Howard Payne University women's basketball team late game push came up short falling 82-79 to East Texas Baptist University Monday evening in the Brownwood Coliseum.

Howard Payne was out rebounded 44-31 in the game but the Lady Jady forced 24 ETBU turnovers while only committing nine. Howard Payne shot just 36% from the field in the game and ETBU hit 51% of its shots.

27% shooting by the Lady Jackets in the first half would lead to a 43-31 ETBU advantage at the halftime break. ETBU connected on 50% of its shots and out rebounded the Lady Jackets 23-17 in the first half.

The Lady Jackets cut the difference to eight with just under seven minute left in the fourth. Later a Valarie Matlock steal and layup with 3:05 left made the difference six, 69-63 ETBU. An Anastasia Willis three-point play brought the Lady Jackets within three, 69-66 with 2:37 left.

A Presley McKethan three-pointer with eight second left made it a two point game 81-79. After ETBU one of two free-throws by ETBU the Lady Jacket three-point attempt fell short and HPU fell 81-79.

HPU's Chelsey Harris led all scorers with 20 points. Jada Evans had 15 points, all in the second half, and Dominique Featherstone had 12 points. Presley McKethan finished with 11 points and eight assists. Valarie Matlock had six steals and five assists.

Sydney Saxton led ETBU with 17 points followed by Erin Meeks with 15 points and nine rebounds.

Howard Payne is now 9-6 overall and 5-2 in American Southwest Conference action. ETBU improves to 12-1 overall and 6-0 in league play. The Lady Jackets will play next on the road at Sul Ross State in Alpine, Texas on Saturday, Jan. 13th at 2:00 pm.