BROWNWOOD, Texas - The Howard Payne University men's basketball team nearly knocked off McMurry University in overtime 85-76 Thursday evening in the Brownwood Coliseum.

After a low scoring first half for both teams, Howard Payne used a 41 point second period and solid defense to force overtime. But it was 28% shooting by Howard Payne in the overtime period that secured the game for McMurry 85-76.

The Yellow Jackets trailed slightly throughout the first half and to start the second.But HPU put together a run and tied the game at 55-55 on a Jaylan Ballou free-throw with 7:30 left in regulation.

McMurry, shooting 66% from the field in the extra period, outscored the Jackets 15-6 to claim the game 85-76.

HPU's Reese Ridder led all scorers with 18 points to go with his nine rebounds. Michael House drained five three-pointers for 17 points, Jerren Godfrey added 15 points, and Tyrell Thompson rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 while hauling in eight boards.

McMurry was led by Remy Minor with 17 points followed by DJ Worrell with 15 points.

Howard Payne now stands at 0-7 overall and 0-3 in American Southwest Conference play, McMurry is 1-6 overall and 1-2 in league action. The Jackets will play next at home on January 16th versus Hardin-Simmons University. It will be a 3:00 pm start time.