Howard Payne University got 32 points from senior guard Brandon Irwin but fell 84-80 to Louisiana College on the road in American Southwest Conference action.
Howard Payne outrebounded LC 58-35 for the game, but it was LC’s ability to take care of the ball that led to the LC 84-80 win. LC only committed 4 turnovers for the game while forcing 12 from the Yellow Jackets.
The Jackets now stand at 3-3 overall and 1-2 in conference. LC improves to 1-2 overall and 1-2 in conference.
LC held a slight lead the majority of the game gaining a 32-29 halftime advantage. The Jackets did cut the second half LC lead to 3, 72-71 with three minutes remaining in the game on two Brandon Irwin free-throws. Irwin finished the night with a game high 32 points and was 8 of 8 from the free-throw line. LC made eight consecutive free-throws down the stretch to secure the 84-80 win. With the Jackets committing the 12 turnovers, LC capitalized and held the advantage in points off turnovers 16-4 over HPU.
Irwin also had 10 rebounds with his 32 points. Ja’Kalan Gayden recorded his first double double as a Jacket with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Bryan Adams finished with 11 and Brandon Gould dished out six assists.
LC was led by Jarrod Jackson with 20 points with Jelani Mitchell and Korey Salmon each adding 15. Salmon also had a game high nine assists.
Howard Payne will play Mississippi College on Saturday in Clinton, Miss.
The Howard Payne University women’s basketball team could not overcome a 17-0 first half run by Louisiana College and fell 104-76 in American Southwest Conference action Thursday evening.
In the opening 13 minutes both teams shared the lead. It was with HPU leading 32-29 at the 7:13 mark that LC put together a 17-0 run to open up the game. LC forced 29 Howard Payne turnovers while only committing 14 themselves in the game.
Howard Payne falls to 3-2 overall and 1-2 in conference play. LC improves to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in conference.
Holding a 53-38 lead at the half, LC extended their lead and went on to win 104-76. Howard Payne did outrebound LC 58-49 but it was the LC bench that outscored HPU’s normally productive bench 37-11 for the game. Brittany Roberson led HPU with 22 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Roshonda Gayden and Dana Marrs each finished with 15 and Jasmin Thomas added 13 points with six assists and four steals.
LC was led by Melody Criswell with a game high 23 points followed by Natosha Gottlieb with 21. Roslyn Wilmer had 17 and Shaina Howard recorded eight assists.
Howard Payne will play at Mississippi College in Clinton, Miss on Saturday.
