Howard Payne University senior Brandon Irwin scored a game high 24 points to lead the Yellow Jackets to a 77-74 win over Schreiner University Saturday afternoon in conference action.
After finding themselves down 40-32 at the break, Howard Payne chipped away at the Schreiner lead and tied it up at 47-47 on a Joshua Dada jumper with 11:19 left. It went back and forth from there till finally the Jackets were able to gain a seven point lead with 2:47 left, 69-62.
The Jackets got a scare as Schreiner was able to cut the HPU lead to one, 75-74 with seven second left. Bryan Adams would hit two free-throws for the Jackets and Dada blocked the Schreiner last second attempt to secure the 77-74 victory for Howard Payne.
Howard Payne improves to 9-14 overall and 7-12 in ASC play. Schreiner falls to 12-11 overall and 10-9 in conference action.
Brandon Irwin added five rebounds with his game high 24 points for HPU. Quentin Calloway followed with 19 points. Brandon Gould had a solid game with 11 points, eight assists and three steals. Ja’Kalan Gayden added nine points and 10 rebounds.
Darren Smith led Schreiner with 20 points. Travis Pflughaupt had 17 points and a game high 13 rebounds. Ethan Catalani added 13.
Four Howard Payne seniors were recognized before the game, Brandon Irwin ,Quentin Calloway ,Henry Valladares and Brit Campbell.
HPU will finish out the regular season on the road in Abilene with games against McMurry on Thursday and Hardin-Simmons on Saturday.
Brittany Roberson led Howard Payne University with a game high 18 points as the Lady Jackets grab a narrow 51-49 win over Schreiner University Saturday afternoon.
With Howard Payne holding a 21-17 halftime lead, Schreiner put together a 7-0 run midway through the second half to gain a 35-29 advantage with 9:13 left in the game. The Lady Jackets would start an 8-0 run with four minutes to play in the game. A Roshonda Gayden layup with 1:27 left to play gave HPU a 50-47 lead.
After a Schreiner jumper, Jasmin Thomas would hit one of two free-throws to give HPU a 51-49 lead with just 4 seconds remaining. A Schreiner three-point attempt missed and the offensive put back did not fall allowing the Lady Jackets to hold on for the win.
Howard Payne improves to 20-3 overall and 16-3 in conference while Schreiner falls to 7-16 overall and 5-14 in ASC play.
Brittany Roberson lead all scorers with 18 points and three steals. Tresta Donahoo scored 15 off the bench on 6 of 7 shooting. Roshonda Gayden graded team high seven rebounds.
Olivia Swarner led Schreiner with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Bailey Harris and Lindsey Peterson each added 11.
With the win, Howard Payne secures their ninth consecutive 20 win season. Four Lady Jacket seniors were honored after the game, Brittany Roberson, Jasmin Thomas, Abby Parmelly, and Roshonda Gayden.
HPU will finish out the regular season on the road in Abilene with games against McMurry on Thursday and Hardin-Simmons on Saturday. The Lady Jackets have already secured an ASC playoff spot and will win the ASC West Division and gain the #1 West spot in the conference tournament with two wins next week.
