BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Howard Payne University women's basketball team held off a late surge by the University of St. Thomas to claim a 58-54 victory on day one of the ASC-SCAC Crossover Tournament.

HPU's Bria Neal led the Lady Jackets with 17 points and 16 rebounds. Trynedee Greenwell followed with 15 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. Catlyn Ward added 12 points.

Down 23-19 at the half, the Lady Jackets outscored the Celts 20-5 holding St Thomas to just 1 of 12 shooting in the third quarter.

With HPU leading 39-28 going into the fourth, the Lady Jackets held off a strong St. Thomas run to claim the game for HPU 58-54.  Both teams shot over 50% from the field in the final quarter.

Howard Payne outrebounded St Thomas 52-43 and held the Celts to 19% three-point shooting in the game.

Howard Payne is now 2-3 overall and St Thomas now stands at 1-5 on the year. The Lady Jackets will play Schreiner University on Sunday at 3:30 pm on day two of the tournament. The Mountaineers lost to Sul Ross State on day one 99-86.