BELTON, Texas – The Howard Payne University women's basketball team cut the deficit to six points with 3:55 remaining in the game, but could not complete the comeback losing to Mary Hardin-Baylor 71-60 in Belton, Texas on Saturday.
 
The Lady Jackets had a strong 1^st quarter shooting 50% from the field, but turnovers and rebounds were an issue for HPU allowing UMHB to take a 18-14 lead heading into the 2^nd quarter. The Crusaders had a strong showing from behind the arc in the 1^st half knocking down six treys at a 46.2% rate. Howard Payne would head into the break trailing 42-30.
 
HPU took the advantage in the 3^rd quarter outscoring UMHB 17-14 to cut their deficit to nine heading into the final 10 minutes. The Lady Jackets went on a 7-0 run in the 4^th quarter shrinking the lead to six points with 3:55 remaining. Howard Payne could not complete the comeback losing the game 71-60.
 
Mary Hardin-Baylor gained the edge on the boards outrebounding HPU 44-26 including 17 offensive rebounds. UMHB turned those offensive rebounds into 24 second chance points. The Lady Jackets took the advantage in the paint outscoring the Crusaders 32-28.
 
The Lady Jackets shot 43.6% (24-55) from the field as they struggled from deep shooting only 14.3% on 14 attempts. UMHB finished 43.5% (27-62) from the field while knocking down seven treys.
 
The Lady Jackets were led by Tyra Oliver who scored a career-high 14 points on 6-10 shooting. Asia Mitchell followed behind with 11 points and six rebounds along with Aja Holmes posting nine points and seven rebounds.
 
Remi Adeleke led UMHB with 17 points followed by Josie Bruder who notched 15 points on 4-4 from deep.
 
The Lady Jackets have concluded their games on the road for the 2023-24 season and will we back at home for their final three games of the regular season. HPU will host East Texas Baptist on Thursday, February 8^th with tip-off set for 5:30 PM.