BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Howard Payne University women's basketball team took advantage of a hot 1^st quarter to defeat Southwestern University at the Brownwood Coliseum 61-55 on Wednesday, November 22^nd.
 
The Lady Jackets came out firing as they led 15-5 at the end of the 1^st quarter. HPU was able to rattle the Pirates scoring eight points off turnovers in the 1^st quarter.
 
Howard Payne turned Southwestern over 23 times as they outscored the Pirates 27-6 in points off turnovers. Kiara Green and Asia Mitchell led the way for HPU recording two steals each.
 
As a team, the Lady Jackets made 20 shots on 60 attempts for a 33.3% rate. HPU knocked down eight treys as well. The Pirates were held to just 28.6% shooting with only three field goals behind the arc. Southwestern was able to connect on 20 free-throws at a 83.3% clip.
 
Howard Payne was led by Taysie Trejo with 12 points with Tyra Oliver following right behind with ten of her own. Asia Mitchell added nine points and seven rebounds along with eight points from Kiara Green.
 
Southwestern was led by a double-double from Lauren Stevens who recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds. Ellie Ward finished with 13 points as well.
 
With the win over Southwestern, HPU is now 4-0. They take a road trip to Houston, Texas as they participate in a two-day tournament hosted by St. Thomas University on November 25^th-26^th. They will wrap up play in Houston with an exhibition versus Houston Christian University on Monday, November 27^th.