BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Howard Payne University men's basketball fell 94-82 to conference foe Hardin-Simmons on Saturday, January 27^th at the Brownwood Coliseum.
 
The Yellow Jackets fell behind early to the Cowboys behind a dominant performance in the paint from Hardin-Simmons. HPU lost the rebounding battle 28-13 in the 1^st half including 12 offensive rebounds. Second chance points were an issue for the Jackets, giving up 14. Armonie Ramey and Hudson Johnson combined for 25 points in the 1^st half. HPU would head into the break down 48-35.
 
The Cowboys continued pounding the ball in the paint taking an 80-54 lead with 8:13 remaining in the game. HPU would cut it down a 10-point differential with 2:25 remaining. The Yellow Jackets could not complete the 26-point comeback losing 94-82.
 
Howard Payne was outrebounded 49-37 including 29 second chance points for Hardin-Simmons. The Yellow Jackets won the turnover battle forcing 18 Cowboy turnovers, but were outscored 21-18 in points off turnovers by HSU.
 
Armonie Ramey led the way for the Yellow Jackets scoring a season-high 27 points to go along with seven rebounds and four assists. Hudson Johnson followed behind with 20 points and four steals. Rounding out the three double-digit scorers for HPU was Jarod Johnson who totaled 16 points.
 
Leading the way for the Cowboys was Will Bartoszek who had a 26-point, 10-rebound double-double. Austin Brewer followed with 19 points and 10 rebounds.
 
The Yellow Jackets will look to bounce back on Thursday, February 1^st, as they take on Concordia (TX) in Austin, Texas with tip-off set for 7:30 PM. HPU defeated the Tornados 93-85 in their first meeting this year.