BELTON, Texas- The Howard Payne University women's basketball team defeated the University of Mary Hardin Baylor 77-75 on Saturday afternoon. HPU will host Sul Ross State on Wed., March 10th in the Brownwood Coliseum in a 6:00 pm ASC Quarterfinal playoff game.

HPU's Amanda Turpin drove to the basket and drew a foul that sent her to the free-throw line with just over a second left in the game. Turpin hit both free throws and secured the 77-75 win for Howard Payne.

Howard Payne had three players score in the double digits. The Lady Jacket defense forced the Cru to turn the ball over 16 times. 

Howard Payne got off to a rocky start shooting 27.6% (8 of 29) from the field in the first half. Mary Hardin-Baylor shot 41% (16 of 39). 

Howard Payne trailed by 10 38-28 at the end of the second quarter.

The Lady Jackets got down by as much as 14 in the third quarter but outscored the Cru 22-12 to tie the game going into the fourth quarter.

In a high-scoring fourth quarter, the Lady Jackets led by as much as five. Hannah Eggleston hit a fast break three to tie the game for UMHB with 10 seconds left.

Salina Ali led the Lady Jackets with 19 points, followed by Amanda Turpin with 17. Chelsey Harris had 14 points and nine rebounds.

Hannah Eggleston led the Cru with 31 points and 12 rebounds. 

Howard Payne concluded the regular season with an overall record of 10-6 and a 6-3 conference record. Mary Hardin-Baylor ends the regular season with an 11-8 overall record and a 7-7 conference record.  

Both teams have qualified for the conference tournament that will begin on Wednesday, March 10th. Howard Payne will host Sul Ross State.