ABILENE, Texas – Poor shooting and rebounding led to an 87-67 loss to McMurry University for the Howard Payne men’s basketball team Thursday at Kimbrell Arena.

The first half remained close until with 5 minutes remaining McMurry went on a 15-1 run. McMurry held a 38-24 advantage at the break.

McMurry extended their lead to 20 just five minutes into the second fueled by strong rebounding. The Yellow Jackets just could not get back in the game and fell to McMurry 87-67.

McMurry out-rebounded the Jackets 50-28. McM shot 51% from the field to HPU’s 35%.

Donovan Gardner led Howard Payne with 17 points. Henry Valladares had 15 off the bench and Brandon Irvin followed up with 13.

McMurry was led by Teddy Chambers and Steven Jones with 17 points each. Derick Sumpter had 16 and Steven Johunkin had 12. Jaden Isler had 10. Isler and Sumpter also had seven assists each.

Howard Payne is now at 4-10 overall and 3-7 in conference play. McMurry stands at 8-5 overall and 6-3 in ASC action.

The Jackets will take on Hardin-Simmons University on Saturday at 3:00 pm in Abilene.