HUNTSVILLE, Texas – The Howard Payne University men’s basketball team fell in an exhibition game 76-42 to Sam Houston State University at Johnson Coliseum Saturday evening.

It was the inside presence for Sam Houston State that was the difference in the game as the Bearcats outrebounded Howard Payne 58 to 37.

The game remained close at the start with Howard Payne leading by one with 15:55 left in the first half. Joshua Dada found Michael Thompson for the layup to give the Jackets a 9-8 lead.

Sam Houston State put together a 12-0 run to take the lead and extend it to 20-9 with 8:23 on the clock. The score remained about the same till the half with SHSU scoring four unanswered to lead 30-16 at the break.

The Jackets shot just 16% from the field in the first half to just 36% for SHSU. Neither team made a three-pointer in the opening half both shooting 0-7 from behind the arc. 

The Yellow Jackets shooting woes continued in the second half and SHSU built their lead to 30+. SHSU went on to win 76-42 sparked by 43% second half shooting while holding HPU to 19% for the game.

HPU was led by Brandon Irwin with 13 points followed by Joshua Dada with 10 points and six rebounds.

Steven Warner led SHSU with a game high 20 points and 16 rebounds. He was followed by Konner Tucker with 17. Darius Gatson had six assists.