BROWNWOOD, Texas - The Howard Payne University men's basketball team dropped its season opener to Hardin-Simmons University 81-70 in non-conference action Saturday at the Brownwood Coliseum.

Despite holding Hardin-Simmons to just 37.1% shooting in the game, Howard Payne would be outrebounded 48-38 by the Cowboys on the night.

After trailing by double digits in the first half, the Yellow Jackets battled back to pull within three, 38-35 at the half holding Hardin-Simmons to 32% shooting in the opening period.

Four minutes into the second half, Hardin-Simmons started 14-0 run that extended the Cowboy lead to seventeen, 57-40 with 12 minutes left to play and eventually securing the win for Hardin-Simmons.

HPU's Tyrell Thompson led all scorers with 22 points. James Helzer followed with 11 points and game-high 10 rebounds. Jacob Smith had nine points and Jaylan Ballou dished out four assists.

Hardin-Simmons was led by Aiden Walsh with 16 points. Kannon Jones added 14 points.

The Yellow Jackets will play next on Nov. 16th at East Texas Baptist in Marshall, Texas. It will be a 1:00 pm start time.