ABILENE, Texas - The Howard Payne University women's basketball team fell 73-53 to McMurry University Thursday evening in conference action.

HPU's Catlyn Ward led the Lady Jackets with 10 points followed by Taliyah Bess with a game-high 8 rebounds. Trynadee Greenwell added nine points and game-high four assists. Brenna Welsh also dished out four assists for the Lady Jackets.

Howard Payne shot 50% from the field in the first half leading 17-15 at the end of the first quarter but trailed 43-37 at the halftime break.

The Lady Jackets' shooting fell off in the second half with just 25% of their shots connecting. That with 27 turnovers by HPU proved to be the difference in the game.

McMurry was led by Destiny Matthews with 18 points followed by Emily Holland with 14 points. 

Howard Payne is now 2-17 overall and 0-12 in American Southwest Conference play. McMurry stands at 10-8 overall and 4-8 in league action. The Lady Jackets will play next on Saturday at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. It will be a 1:00 pm start time.