ABILENE, Texas - The Howard Payne University men's basketball team fell 81-51 to D-I Abilene Christian University Tuesday evening in non-conference action.

The Yellow Jackets had one of their better outings versus a D-I opponent in several years versus Abilene Christian Tuesday evening. The Howard Payne defense was able to hold the Wildcats to just 27.3% (9 of 33) shooting from the three-point line in the game.

The Yellow Jackets battled tough through the opening period but an ACU 8-0 run to end the first half gave the Wildcats a 44-25 advantage at the halftime break.

With a 47-32 rebounding advantage for ACU in the game, the Wildcats would slowing extend their lead in the second to the 81-51 final. 

Turnovers also plagued HPU with the Jackets committing 29 on the night.

HPU was led by Jacob Smith with 10 points followed by Jaylan Ballou with nine. Tyrell Thompson added a team high eight rebounds and two block shots,

Logan McLaughin led ACU with 17 points and 10 rebounds followed by Kolton Kohl with 12 points.

Howard Payne is now 0-2 overall and ACU stands at 4-0 on the year. The Yellow Jackets will play next on Sat., Dec. 5th at 1:00 pm at LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas. HPU will travel the next day and play at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. It will be a 5:00 pm start time.