ABILENE, Texas – Howard Payne’s Brittany Roberson poured in a game high 24 points in a 61-58 win over American Southwest Conference rival McMurry University Thursday at Kimbrell Arena.

Howard Payne only managed 36% shooting for the game but held McMurry, who shot 50% from the field in the first half, to just 35% in the second.

McMurry built a 10-point lead with five minutes to play in the first half shooting 80% (4 of 5) from behind the arc.

The Lady Jackets finished the remaining five minutes with a 10-2 run to bring the halftime score to 31-29 McMurry. HPU’s Brittany Roberson led the first half 15 points.

HPU gained the lead on a three-point play by Clarissa Krum with 14:35 left in the game. After that both teams traded leads till a three-point play by Roberson with 1:01 remaining in the game gave HPU a 59-54 advantage.

The Lady Jackets were able to hold off a late push by McMurry and secured the 61-58 win. It was points off turnovers that was the difference in the game with HPU leading with 21 to McMurry’s 11.

Howard Payne was led by Brittany Roberson with a game high 24 points and eight rebounds. Tresta Donahoo added nine. Clarissa Krum and Jasmin Thomas followed with eight.

Victoria Salazar led McMurry with 11. Rikeita Thomas and Anna Berthel each had 10.

Howard Payne is now at 9-5 overall and 6-4 in conference play. McMurry stands at 7-6 overall and 5-4 in ASC action.

The Lady Jackets will take on Hardin-Simmons University on Saturday at 1:00 pm in Abilene.