The Howard Payne men’s basketball team drop their sixth straight to open the season to #14 University of Texas at Dallas 83-99 in the Brownwood Coliseum Saturday afternoon.

The Jackets shot over 50 percent from the floor in the game and had four Jackets scored in double digits, but it was still not enough to get the first win.

After UTD held a 12 point, 10-22 lead, the Jackets battled back with a 14-2 run. A Brandon Irwin three-pointer with 9:59 in the half tied the game at 24-24.

The first half score was tied 4 times and HPU took the lead twice but UTD had an eight point lead going into the locker room. Thirteen second chance points and 14 points off turnovers for UTD was the difference ultimately. The score was 52-44 at the half.

In the first half both teams shot well, HPU going 17-32 for 53 percent, and UTD 19 of 35 for 54 percent.

The closest the Yellow Jackets got in the second half was within 7 points with 17 minutes left in the game making the score 50-57. UTD opened it back up again and secured the game 83-99.

Irwin had another 20 point performance; he also with 5 rebounds and 2 steals. Keith Perry had 10 and four assists. Zane Smith had 14 and John Bryant came off the bench finishing with 11.

UTD’s leader was Scott Rodgers with 28. He also had 6 rebounds and two steals. Four other UTD played were in double-digits in points.

The HPU men fall to (0-6) overall and (0-4) in the ASC. UTD goes to (7-1) overall and (4-0) in the ASC.

The next game for the Yellow Jackets is Dec. 12 at home against Sul Ross State at 3pm.