HUNTSVILLE, Texas –
Braylon McGee scored a team-high 10 points as the Howard Payne University men's basketball team gained valuable experience against NCAA Division I competition in a 102-59 exhibition loss to Sam Houston on Saturday at Johnson Coliseum.
The Yellow Jackets saw contributions throughout the lineup, with
Jace Reed adding eight points and
Connor Yocom and
Demarcus Johnson each scoring six.
Evan Duncan turned in a strong all-around effort with four points, four rebounds, three steals and two blocks, while
Carter May led the team with five rebounds.
Howard Payne forced 18 turnovers and converted those opportunities into 21 points. The Yellow Jackets also recorded 10 steals and received 44 of their 59 points from the bench.
Sam Houston built a 53-23 halftime lead behind a dominant rebounding effort and maintained control throughout the second half. The Bearkats finished with a 66-31 advantage on the glass, including 23 offensive rebounds.
Howard Payne shot 20-for-72 from the floor, connected on seven three-pointers and went 12-for-18 from the free-throw line. Eighteen Yellow Jackets saw action as the team continued to evaluate its depth heading into the regular season.
For Sam Houston, Aidan McDowell led all scorers with 18 points as five Bearkats finished in double figures. The Bearkats shot 52.6 percent from the field and scored 66 points in the paint.
COMING UP: The Yellow Jackets will travel to Storm Lake, Iowa to begin their regular season against No. 5 Gustavus Adolphus on Friday, November 14 at 5:00 p.m. Central Time.
