CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The Howard Payne University women’s basketball team held Lewis and Clark College to just 18% shooting in the second half going on to win 84-66 in the first round of the 2011 NCAA III Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament hosted at Coe College.

The HPU Lady Jackets (22-7 overall) touched the nets in the first half shooting 18 of 31 from the field for 58%. They were also 7 of 11 (63%) from behind the arc in the first half.

With HPU leading 48-32 at halftime, the Lady Jackets slowly extended the lead over Lewis and Clark (21-7 overall) and with 1:15 left in the game free-throws by Kayla Scott gave HPU the 84-64 lead.

The 84-66 victory gives the Lady Jackets their first win in the NCAA tournament since the 2008 NCAA championship year.

Jasmin Thomas scored a team high 19 points for the Lady Jackets followed closely by Brittany Roberson with 18.

Thomas and Roberson also had 5 and 4 assists respectively. Tiffany Warner and Megan Norvil had nine each. Kalin Hanna had seven rebounds and four blocks off the bench.

Lewis and Clark was led by Megan Spence with a game high 22 points and 18 rebounds. Margaret Dowling added 12 points.

HPU was outrebounded 45 to 37 but it was the Lady Jacket bench that was the big difference leading Lewis and Clark 32 to 14.

HPU shot 53% for the game while holding Lewis and Clark to just 28%. The Lady Jackets were also 9 of 18 from the arc for 50%.

Howard Payne will play Coe College on Saturday at 7:00 pm in the second round of the NCAA III tournament.

Photo: Jasmin Thomas scored a team high 19 points versus Lewis and Clark – Photo by HPU Sports Information.