BROWNWOOD, Texas - The Howard Payne University women's basketball team fought back from a first half deficit to defeat McMurry University 82-76 Thursday night at the Brownwood Coliseum.

Howard Payne shot over 50% from the field in the second half to regain the lead while forcing 22 McMurry turnovers in the game. The victory clinched an American Southwest Conference tournament playoff spot for the Lady Jackets.

Down by as much as 12 points in the first quarter, Howard Payne used an 11-0 run midway through the second quarter to trail 38-36 at the halftime break.

McMurry extended its lead back to ten points, 52-42, midway through the third but the Lady Jackets outscored the War Hawks 14-3 to end the quarter to hold a 56-55 advantage going into the fourth.

The Lady Jackets from that point would never let go of the lead hitting 4 of 6 free-throws in the final minute to hold off McMurry 82-76.

Howard Payne was led by Chelsey Harris with 23 points, five rebounds and three steals. Payge Grable followed with 20 points sparked by 10 of 12 shooting at the free-throw line. Anastasia Willis had 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Salina Ali had 11 points and three assists. Chelsi Woodard added six rebounds and a game high four blocks.

Skyler Reyna led McMurry with 31 points and 11 rebounds. London Weilert added 19 points.

The Lady Jackets sit in third in the American Southwest Conference West Division standings with a 6-7 league record and 9-13 overall. McMurry stands at 4-10 in ASC play and 7-16 overall. The Lady Jackets will have their final home game of the season on Saturday at 1:00 pm versus Hardin-Simmons University.