Howard Payne wrapped up the regular season Saturday with a 98-91 conference road loss to the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton.

The Yellow Jackets were powered by an outstanding offensive performance from Ben Phillip, who poured in 36 points, his second consecutive 30 point game, on 13-of-23 shooting from the floor and knocked down eight three-pointers. Phillip also grabbed eight rebounds, delivering one of his strongest all-around efforts of the season in the regular season finale.

Jordan McClendon added 11 points while pulling down seven rebounds and dishing out three assists, giving Howard Payne production on both ends of the court. Avant Coleman contributed eight points, while Braylon Crosby and Nathan Scott each finished with seven. Trey Jackson chipped in four points as the Jackets received contributions throughout the lineup.

As a team, Howard Payne shot 47.2 percent from the field and connected on 11 three-pointers. The Jackets generated 28 points from the bench and stayed competitive in a game that featured multiple momentum swings.

"I'm proud of the way our guys competed for 40 minutes," said head coach Nadir Dalleh. "Ben Phillip had a tremendous night offensively and really carried us at stretches, and I thought we had several other guys step up and give us quality minutes. We've grown through conference play, and now it's about tightening up the details and getting ready for the opportunity in front of us. With the regular season behind us, our focus shifts to Abilene. The ASC Tournament is a new season. We know what Hardin-Simmons brings, and we're looking forward to the challenge."

With the regular season complete, Howard Payne now turns its attention to postseason play. The Yellow Jackets will travel to Abilene, Texas for the ASC Tournament and will face Hardin-Simmons on Friday, February 27 in first-round action.