The Howard Payne University women’s basketball team will be the host of the Women’s American Southwest Conference basketball tournament after a 85-74 win Saturday afternoon over Hardin-Simmons University.
A 24-point second half explosion from Brittany Roberson, and great free throw shooting down the stretch paved the way for the Lady Jackets 85-74 victory. The Lady Jackets made 25 of their 26 free throw attempts in the game.
The HPU women trailed only one time, and that was after the first possession, when they went down 3-0. From there, on their next possession, they would tie the game at three and then never trail again. Their lead would stretch out to 12 with 6:40 left in the half. HSU came within four points the rest of the half, but still would trail the Lady Jackets 39-30 at the half.
Hardin Simmons gave the Lady Jackets a scare halfway through the second half, when they pulled within three points, 58-55, with 9:55 left. But HPU answered the challenge and went on a 15-6 run in the next six minutes to get back on top by 12, with three minutes remaining in the game.
Roberson led all scorers had 28 points. Behind her was Jasmin Thomas with a career high 18 points and five rebounds. Clarissa Krum chipped in 11 points and four rebounds.
The HSU Cowgirls were led by Lindsey Newcombe with a double-double of 18 points and 18 rebounds. Alexis Popelar trailed her with 12 points and six rebounds.
HPU had only nine turnovers while forcing 18 turnovers. The Cowgirls out rebounded the Lady Jackets, 44-34.
The Lady Jackets go to 18-7 overall and 15-6 in the ASC. The Cowgirls fall to 18-6, and 15-6 in the ASC. But since HPU has won both competitions between the two teams, the win gives them the rights to host the conference tournament.
The Lady Jackets next game will be in the first round of the ASC tournament against the University of Ozarks at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25 at the Brownwood Coliseum.
