ABILENE, Texas - The Howard Payne University women's basketball team after leading at the half fell 69-63 to McMurry University Saturday afternoon in league action.

After leading 35-31 at the halftime break, McMurry posted a 22 point quarter sparked by 56% shooting from the field. 

Down by as much as 11 points in the fourth, the Lady Jackets rallied late to cut it to a four-point deficit, 65-61 McM lead with just under a minute to play. The War Hawks hit free-throws down the stretch and claimed the win 69-63.

HPU was outrebounded 39-29 and McMurry forced 22 Lady Jacket turnovers while committing 12.

Aja Holmes led HPU with 11 points followed by Trynadee Greenwell with 10 points. Asia Mitchell led the Lady Jackets with six rebounds.

McMurry was led by Helena Chadwick with 20 points and Aryana Cleveland with 11 rebounds.

Howard Payne is now 5-5 overall and 1-3 in American Southwest Conference action. McMurry stands at ? overall and ? in league play. The Yellow Jackets will play next on Thursday at home versus Mary Hardin-Baylor at 5:30 pm in the Brownwood Coliseum.