MARSHALL, Texas - The Howard Payne University men's basketball team fell behind early and never recovered in an 82-71 conference loss to East Texas Baptist University Thursday evening.

East Texas Baptist jumped out to an early 12-2 and led the rest of the way holding a 54-30 halftime advantage.38.8% shooting on the night for Howard Payne would hinder the comeback attempt in the second half.

Javaris Jones and Timothy Aguero each finished with 13 points for Howard Payne. Shadd Cole scored 12 with a game high six assists and Joshua Taylor added 11 points off the bench. Thomas Bingham followed with 8 points and a team high 8 rebounds.

ETBU was led by Nathan Fontenot with 20 points and Westin Riddick with 19 points.

Howard Payne is now 2-8 overall and 1-2 in American Southwest Conference action. ETBU stands at 5-2 overall and 3-1 in league play. The Jackets will be back at home later this week playing Louisiana College on Thursday at 7:30 pm and Belhaven University on Saturday at 3:00 pm. Both are at the Brownwood Coliseum.