Howard Payne men's basketball opened the Dallas Huston Classic in emphatic fashion on Friday afternoon, surging past Dallas Christian College 100–71 inside the Brownwood Coliseum. The Jackets were buzzing from the opening tip, piling up efficient scoring, unselfish ball movement, and a defensive presence that sparked transition opportunities. The century mark gave HPU all the momentum it could ask for on the first day of the Classic, as the team punched in triple-digits yet again this season and kept the home crowd energized throughout the afternoon.

HPU controlled the flow from start to finish, shooting well inside the arc and converting in the paint while holding Dallas Christian in check on the defensive end. The Jackets shared the ball with purpose and finished with strong balance across the roster, steadily building a double-digit lead that grew after halftime. Hustling on the glass and forcing DCC into difficult looks, Howard Payne turned defensive stops into points at the other end, stringing together runs that pushed the margin out of reach.

The afternoon also featured a special moment at halftime as Howard Payne honored legendary broadcaster Dallas Huston, the longtime Voice of the Yellow Jackets. Huston, who spent nearly six decades calling HPU athletics and became synonymous with Jacket athletics history, was recognized for his extraordinary impact on the university and the Brownwood community. His presence added an extra layer of meaning to the Classic that now proudly carries his name.

With the 100–71 win in hand, the Jackets now turn their attention to a quick turnaround in the two-game weekend showcase. Howard Payne returns to action on Saturday as they face Arlington Baptist University in the finale of the Dallas Huston Classic. After lighting up the scoreboard on Friday, HPU looks to keep the offensive spark — and the buzz — going into Day Two.