The Howard Payne Yellow Jacket basketball team dropped their home opener to the University of the Ozarks 76-79 Thursday evening.

Howard Payne’s John Bryant had a chance to tie the game with 2 seconds left, but missed on the three point attempt.

At the end of the first half, the Yellow Jackets trailed by five, 41-46. Even though they shot 56 percent from the floor on the half, but Ozarks’ 21 to 13 free throw difference were the difference in the game.

In the second, the Jackets made a late run to pull the game within three points. Ozarks hit a layup with 30 seconds left, but HPU’s three point attempt to tie the game at the buzzer did not fall. Ozark won 79-76.
Ozarks out-rebounded the Jackets 79-76. Turnovers were about even, HPU at 21 and Ozarks at 22.

Brandon Irwin led all scorers with 25 points and 7 rebounds. Behind him was John Bryant with 17 points and 4 rebounds. Senior Keith Perry also had 13 points and 4 steals on the night. Zane Smith dished out a game high seven assists.

Ozarks was led by Josh Odon with 21 and Blake Mitchem followed with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Colby Woolverton added 14.

HPU falls to 0-5 overall and 0-3 in the ASC play. Ozarks goes to 4-3 on the year and 3-0 in the ASC.

The Yellow Jackets next game is at home Saturday Dec. 5 at 3pm against University of Texas at Dallas.