BELTON, Texas – The Howard Payne University women's basketball team closed out the regular season with an 80-41 loss at #9/10 University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Saturday afternoon.

The Lady Jackets next game will be in the first round of the 2019 American Southwest Conference Championship Tournament in Belton, Texas. Hosted by the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Howard Payne will play East Texas Baptist University in the opening round at 5:00 pm on Thursday.

Howard Payne struggle shooting the entire game connecting on just 16 of 66 shots (21.2%) in the game. Mary Hardin-Baylor also out rebounded HPU 51-42.

UMHB jumped out to an early lead and never looked back outscoring HPU 21-9 in the first quarter.

Despite a stronger quarter by Howard Payne in the second and a half court three-pointer at the buzzer by HPU's Payge Grable, the Lady Jackets found themselves down 44-22.

HPU was led by Chelsey Harris with 16 points. Caprica Brooks added eight points and eight rebounds. Chelsi Woodard added a game high four blocks.

Hannah Holt led UMHB with 17 points and nine rebounds.

Howard Payne ends the regular season at 11-14 overall and 8-8 in American Southwest Conference action. UMHB stands at 23-2 overall and 15-1 in league play. The Lady Jackets will play East Texas Baptist in the first round of the ASC Tournament in Belton, Texas on Thursday at 5:00 pm.