BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Howard Payne University women's basketball team fell 73-48 to #16/18 ranked East Texas Baptist University Thursday evening in conference action.

HPU's Bria Neal led the team with 15 points, grabbing seven rebounds. Lily Janek followed with 10 points and Salina Ali added a team high eight rebounds.

The Lady Jackets played the nationally ranked Tigers close throughout the first half trailing 33-25 at the halftime break.

In still remained close through the third, but ETBU would shoot 55.6% from the field in the fourth quarter to pull away in the 73-48 final.

Howard Payne lost the rebounding battle 48-35 with ETBU gaining 21 offensive boards.

ETBU was led by Grace Stephens with 17 points off the bench. Taylor Singleton added 12 points.

Howard Payne is now 4-18 overall and 2-13 in American Southwest Conference action. ETBU stands at 15-3 overall and 11-2 in league play. The Lady Jackets are scheduled to play next on Saturday at home versus Belhaven University at 1:00 pm.