SHERMAN, Texas - The Howard Payne University men's basketball team fell 101-95 on the road to Austin College Friday evening to start the 2018-2019 season.

The game was tight with the teams exchanging the lead 22 times. The Yellow Jackets shot 54.1% from the field in the game while holding Austin College 48.8% shooting. The Roos though would hit four more three's and out rebound the Jackets 42-37 in the game.

It was a 45-45 ball game at the half but 8 of 16 shooting from the free-throw line and committing 12 turnovers to AC's three in the second was the difference in the game.

Howard Payne had five in double-digits in scoring led by Shadd Cole's 21 points. Colton Otts followed with 13 points. Alex Bingham and Timothy Aguero each finished with 12 points. Bingham added a game-high 11 rebounds and Aguero had a game-high seven assists.

AC was led by Justice Mercadel with 25 points and seven rebounds. Devin Roland, JP Feider and Kam Hogan each had 15 points.

Howard Payne will play next on November 13th at Dallas Baptist University. It will be a 3:30 pm start time.