SAN MARCOS, Texas – The Howard Payne University men’s basketball team drop their season opener 96-55 to D-I Texas State University Tuesday evening at Strahan Coliseum.

Howard Payne was outrebounded 30-10 in the first half by Texas State. That combined with 19% shooting for the Yellow Jackets led to a 58-17 halftime lead for Bobcats.

The Jackets had improved shooting in the second half raising their percentage to 33% for the game. Brandon Irwin scored 18 second half points for the Jackets finishing with a game high 19 points.

Brandon Gould and Quentin Calloway each had eight points, Calloway also had five rebounds. Henry Valladares had four assists (pictured above).

Five Texas State players finished in double digits in scoring. Brooks Ybarra led with 12 followed by Dante Bachus and Travis Jones with 11 each.

The Jackets will play next in the University of Dallas Tournament this weekend versus Austin College on Friday and against host University of Dallas on Saturday.