CLARKSVILLE, Arkansas – The Howard Payne University women's basketball team could not come back after a sluggish start versus the University of the Ozarks. The Lady Jackets fell on the road 62-49 in Clarksville, Arkansas on Thursday, January 18^th.
 
HPU got off to a slow start falling behind 22-7 in the 1^st quarter. The Lady Jackets only converted on 2-11 attempts in the 1^st stanza while turning the ball over eight times. Howard Payne was able to knock down more shots in the 2^nd quarter, but continued to turn the ball over. Ozarks would outscore HPU 18-4 in points off turnovers in the 1^st half.
 
The Lady Jackets tightened up in the 2^nd half on both sides of the ball. HPU held the Ozarks to 22 total points in the 2^nd half while forcing nine turnovers. Howard Payne could not complete the 24-point comeback, ultimately losing the game 62-49.
 
The Lady Jackets committed 22 turnovers that led to 22 points for the Ozarks. The HPU bench provided a great spark, outscoring the Ozarks 24-14. Kayla Kirk led the way off the bench scoring eight points. Howard Payne won the battle on the glass 41-37 including nine offensive rebounds.
 
HPU shot 32.7% (18-55) from the field while only knocking down three treys. The Ozarks finished 41.8% (23-55) from the field, highlighted by a hot start shooting 60% in the 1^st quarter.
 
Taysie Trejo led the way for the Lady Jackets scoring ten points followed by Asia Mitchell who racked up nine points to go along with four assists.
 
The Ozarks were led by a 24-point, 19-rebound performance from Naomi Smith. Destini Powell finished with 14 points as well.
 
The Lady Jackets will wrap up their six-game road trip as they travel to UT Dallas on Saturday, January 20^th with tip-off set for 1:00 PM. HPU will be back at home on Thursday, January 25^th as they take on McMurry.