BELTON, Texas – The Howard Payne University women's basketball team took #16/21 East Texas Baptist University to brink falling 45-43 in the opening round of the 2019 American Southwest Conference tournament Thursday evening.

With East Texas Baptist leading by single digits throughout the game, HPU made a late push and would be able to tie the game with less than a minute remaining. HPU's Payge Grable hit a layup with 34 seconds left to make the game 43-43.

ETBU then took the lead with a bank shot with 9 second left to play.

With East Texas Baptist now leading 45-43, the Lady Jackets inbounded the ball with an opportunity to tie or take the lead. Howard Payne would be unable to get a shot off leading to the 45-43 final.

ETBU led 16-11 after the first quarter and held a 26-21 advantage at the halftime break. With both teams playing even in the third, the Lady Jackets would outscore the Tigers 11-8 in the final quarter.

The Lady Jackets did force 23 Tigers turnovers but were out rebounded 52-39 in the game.

HPU's Payge Grable led all scorers with 13 points followed by Chelsey Harris and Caprica Brooks with 10 points each. Anastasia Willis grabbed a game high nine rebounds and Harris dished out four assists.

ETBU was led by Amanda Wilson and Sydney Saxton with 11 points each.

Howard Payne finishes the season at 11-15 overall and ETBU stands 23-3 overall. HPU finishes the season with its 15th consecutive appearance in the ASC tournament, more than any other ASC school.