BROWNWOOD, Texas – The Howard Payne University women's basketball team took down Sul Ross State 78-76 at the Brownwood Coliseum in their final game of the season on senior day.
The Lady Jackets came out sharp as they built an early 13-7 lead over the Lobos. Sul Ross mounted a 16-4 run to close out the 1
st quarter earning a lead of 23-17.
Aja Holmes opened up the 2
nd quarter with a quick three-pointer, but the Lobos answered with an 8-0 run to extend their lead to 11 points. Sul Ross would keep the pressure on HPU as they went into the break leading 39-32.
Howard Payne opened up the 2
nd half on a 12-3 run to gain a 44-42 lead sparked by
Asia Mitchell's six free throws. The Lady Jackets could not hold onto it long as the Lobos went into the 4
th leading 58-53. HPU found their first lead of the 4
th quarter when
Taysie Trejo hit a crucial three-pointer to put the Lady Jackets up 70-67 with 2:42 remaining in the contest. Sul Ross tied the game 76-76 on a pair of made free throws with just 28 seconds left.
Trynadee Greenwell saved the day on an offensive rebound that led to the fifth foul for the Lobos leading scorer. Greenwell would be sent to the line for two shots at the charity strike, knocking down one of them to give HPU a 77-76 lead. The Lady Jackets forced a Lobo turnover to seal the game winning 78-76 after another free throw by
Taysie Trejo.
The battle on the glass was split dead even with both teams each grabbing 37 rebounds. HPU found the edge on their bench, outscoring the Lobos 42-9.
The Lady Jackets shot 38.9% (21-54) from the field while hitting seven three-pointers at a 41.2% rate. The Lobos finished 45.2% (28-62) from the field struggling from deep.
Taysie Trejo recorded a career-high 23 points on 50% shooting while knocking down three treys to help lift the Lady Jackets over Sul Ross.
Trynadee Greenwell and
Asia Mitchell followed with 13 points apiece.
Aja Holmes rounded out the four double-digit scorers for HPU scoring 11 points.
Sul Ross was led by a 32-point, 13-rebound performance from Marley Rokas. Emily Bunger followed behind with 15 points.
The Lady Jackets wrap up their 2023-24 season with their second consecutive win and their best win total since the 2020-21 season finishing 9-16. HPU defeated Sul Ross State 78-76 at the Brownwood Coliseum on senior day.
