BROWNWOOD, Texas - The Howard Payne University women's basketball team made a late push but dropped its conference matchup with McMurry University 81-70 Thursday evening in the Brownwood Coliseum.

Howard Payne posted a 26 point fourth quarter to fight back from a 25 point third quarter deficit. With 28.2% shooting in the game by the Lady Jackets, it would not be enough with the War Hawks claiming the game 81-70.

HPU forced 26 McMurry turnovers while committing 18. McMurry led 42-37 in rebounding but is was 44.6% shooting by the War Hawks that was the difference in the game.

Taysie Trejo led HPU was 18 points followed by Tyra Oliver and Brenna Welsh with nine points each. Jazlyn Braithwaite added four assists and three steals and Trynadee Greenwell finished with seven rebounds and three steals.

McMurry was led by Emily Holland with 26 points followed by Kylie Flippin with 23 points.

Howard Payne is now 6-13 overall and 2-9 in American Southwest Conference action. McMurry stands at 13-6 overall and 8-3 in league play. The Lady Jackets will play next at home on Saturday versus Hardin-Simmons University at 1:00 pm.