BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Howard Payne University women's basketball team got a game high 25 points from Chelsey Harris in a 68-64 conference loss to Hardin-Simmons University Thursday evening at the Mabee Athletic Complex.

Despite winning the rebounding battle 41-37, the Lady Jackets would struggle at the free-throw line on the night hitting just 6 of 13 in the game.

Down 36-31 at the half, the Lady Jackets started the third period with a 9-3 run to gain the lead. A three-point bucket by Chelsey Harris with 6:21 left in the quarter put HPU ahead 40-39.

Hardin-Simmons rallied back to end the third to lead by eight, 47-39 entering into the fourth. The Lady Jackets would pull to within two, 66-64 with 16 seconds remaining in the game. Two free-throws by HSU in the closing second puts the game away before the Lady Jacket missed shot at the buzzer.

Chelsey Harris led all scorers with 25 points on 10 of 15 shooting, 3 of 6 from behind the arc. Anastasia Willis followed with 17 points and a game high 14 rebounds. Salina Ali finished with seven points, a game high seven assists and five steals.

Hardin-Simmons was led by Taylor Gaffney with 17 points followed by Karlea Ritchie with 12 points. Kailee Burke had 11 points and 14 rebounds.

Howard Payne is now 2-7 in American Southwest Conference action and 5-12 overall. Hardin-Simmons stands at 5-4 in league play and 11-6 overall. The Lady Jackets will be in action this Saturday at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas at 1:00 pm.