Howard Payne closed out its home schedule with a statement win, defeating East Texas Baptist 60-55 in a pivotal conference matchup on Saturday inside the Brownwood Coliseum. In a game that carried both postseason weight and end-of-season emotion, the Lady Jackets used a strong second half, including a 20-point fourth quarter, to secure the victory and send the home crowd home celebrating one final time this season.
Howard Payne leaned on balanced production across the lineup, highlighted by
Caitlyn Panuco leading the way with 15 points, six rebounds, four assists, and four steals in a strong all-around performance.
Hope Hermesmeyer added 14 points and four rebounds, while
Caitlyn Parsons dominated the glass with 13 rebounds to go along with eight points. Additional scoring support came from
Taylor McAfee and
Kaley Nicholson, who each finished with eight points, helping give the Lady Jackets multiple offensive options throughout the game.
As a team, Howard Payne shot 38.2 percent from the field and knocked down 13 free throws while matching East Texas Baptist with 37 total rebounds. The Lady Jackets were especially strong late, shooting over 66 percent from the field in the fourth quarter to pull away and secure the conference win.
Head coach Rodney Gee praised his team's effort and togetherness following the game. "This group has bought into playing for each other all season long. Today showed their toughness, their trust, and their heart. To finish our home schedule like this, in a conference match-up in front of our fans, means everything to this program."
As the final horn sounded on the home portion of the schedule, the Lady Jackets paused to recognize the fans who fueled them all season. Howard Payne extends a heartfelt thank you to Jacket Nation for creating an incredible home atmosphere all year long. The support, energy, and passion from the stands helped push this team through every moment of the season, and the Lady Jackets are grateful to have closed out the home schedule with a win in front of those who mean so much to the program. The Lady Jackets will take to the road for their final game of the season against The University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, TX on Saturday, February 21st.
