SHERMAN, Texas- Howard Payne University's Bria Neal led the Lady Jackets with a career-high 26 points and 17 rebounds in the 65-62 overtime victory against Austin College.

Howard Payne fell behind by six early in the first quarter, but went on a 16 to two run to take the eight point 19-11 lead.

The 'Roos went on a 15 to six run to over take the Lady Jackets and held the 28-27 point at the half way mark.

The close play continued into the second half with the Lady Jackets trailing 49-45 going into the fourth quarter.

HPU fell behind by 10 before going on a 9-0 run to take the one point 56-55 lead with a minute and a half left.

The 'Roos hit a two-pointer with 33 seconds left in the game. The Lady Jackets missed their opportunity to tie the game with 15 seconds left. However, Catlyn Ward stole the ball away and passed it to Elaina Buchanan who was fouled and had the opportunity to tie the game with six seconds left.

Buchanan knocked down both free throws in crunch time. Austin College had one more opportunity to score, but could not get their three-point attempt to fall sending the game into overtime.

The five minutes of over time was very close, but Howard Payne ended up on top 65-62.

Following Neal's game-high 26 points was Chelsey Harris with 13. Elaina Buchanan had a game-high 21 rebounds. Her 21 rebounds was the second most by a Lady Jacket in program history tying Sarahi Castillo who had 21 rebounds versus Sul Ross State in 2017.

The Lady Jackets improve to 3-6 overall and 1-4 in American Southwest Conference action. The 'Roos fall to 1-5.

Howard Payne will take on Belhaven on Thursday Dec.16th at 5:30 PM in Jackson, Mississippi.