BROWNWOOD, Texas - The Howard Payne University men's basketball team outscored the University of Texas at Dallas in the second half but could not take the game in the 81-74 final Saturday afternoon.

Howard Payne would cut the UT Dallas lead to three points 61-58 midway through the second half but missed opportunities down the stretched. 

With UTD leading by 12, 77-65 with just under three minutes left in the game, the Yellow Jackets would outscore the Comets 9-4 in the final minutes to make in a close game in the end.

Rebounding played a big factor in the game with UTD holding a 53-29 advantage on the night, 21 of UTD's rebounds were on the offensive boards.

The Jackets did take care of the ball forcing 19 comet turnovers while committing 11 themselves.

Jase Miguez led the Jackets with 20 points followed by Jacob Smith with 15 points and four assists. Jayden Modrall added 13 points and eight rebounds. Talen Davis and Jaylan Ballou each finished with five assists.

UTD was led by Kelden Pruitt with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Hans Burwitz added 17 points and 13 rebounds.

Howard Payne is now 1-17 overall and 0-9 in American Southwest Conference action. UTD stands at 13-5 overall and 7-2 in league play. The Jackets will play next on the road at Sul Ross State in Alpine, Texas on Feb. 1st at 3:00 pm.