BROWNWOOD, Texas -- The Howard Payne University women's basketball team took a 61-59 lead into the fourth quarter, but could not hang on and fell 85-73 to the University of St. Thomas (TX) Celts at home Thursday.
The Lady Jackets (0-3) had three players score in double figures, led by Taysie Trejo, who had 24 points, six rebounds and five steals. Jazlyn Braithwaite added 17 points, six rebounds and two steals and Kiana Henning chipped in as well with 10 points and four steals off of the bench.
Howard Payne pulled down 36 rebounds in Thursday's game compared to St. Thomas's 35, led by eight boards from Briley Waters. The Lady Jackets also cleaned up the offensive glass, turning 11 rebounds into 10 second chance points.
The Howard Payne defense was a problem in Thursday's game, forcing 26 St. Thomas turnovers while committing 20. Those takeaways turned into 31 points on the other end of the floor. Trejo's five steals led the way individually for the Yellow Jackets.
How It Happened
After falling behind 15-6, Howard Payne went on a 6-0 run with 3:55 left in the first quarter to narrow its deficit to 15-12. St. Thomas answered back and added to its lead, leaving the Yellow Jackets down 19-12 entering the second quarter.
Saint Thomas (TX) kept adding to that lead, building a 36-25 advantage before Howard Payne went on an 8-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Waters, to narrow its deficit to 36-33. St. Thomas responded and expanded its lead, leaving the Lady Jackets trailing 39-33 heading into halftime.
Following halftime, Howard Payne kept the Celts from growing their lead before going on a 7-0 run to grab a 46-45 lead with 5:17 to go in the third. Before the third period was over, the Lady Jackets added one point to that lead and entered the fourth quarter with a 61-59 edge. Howard Payne took advantage of eight St. Thomas turnovers in the quarter, scoring 10 points off of takeaways.
St. Thomas then erased the Howard Payne lead in the game's final quarter for an 85-73 comeback victory. Howard Payne took advantage of its opportunities in the post, scoring six of its 12 points in the paint.
Game Notes
» The Lady Jackets turned 26 turnovers into 31 points on the offensive end.
» Howard Payne lost despite a 36-35 rebounding advantage.
» The Howard Payne defense forced 26 turnovers.
» Howard Payne cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 11 offensive boards in the game.
» Taysie Trejo led the Lady Jackets with a game-high 24 points.
» Howard Payne got a team-high eight rebounds from Briley Waters.
The Lady Jackets will be back at home on Saturday, November, 16th to face Concordia Texas at 1 pm.
