ABILENE, Texas – Cold shooting by the Howard Payne University women’s basketball team leads to a 69-62 loss to Hardin-Simmons University in American Southwest Conference Saturday at the Mabee Athletic Complex.

Howard Payne shot only 32% from the field in the first half leading to a 32-26 halftime deficit. Hardin-Simmons shot 43% in the opening half.

The game remained about the same throughout the second half as the shooting woes continued for the Lady Jackets. Hardin-Simmons would come up with key shots with every Lady Jacket momentum swing to hold on for the 69-62 conference upset.

HPU scoring leaders Tresta Donahoo and Dana Marrs were held to nine points each. Danyel Bradley led the Lady Jackets with 13 points and four steals off the bench. Breanna Conway followed with 11 points and a game high six blocks.

Alexis Popelar led HSU with 18 points. Joanna Daniel had 17 points and six assists. Jaclyn von der Heide had 11 points and 12 rebounds.

The Lady Jackets still lead the ASC West Division and are now 14-3 overall, 9-2 in conference. Hardin-Simmons stands at 9-8 overall and 7-4 in the ASC.

Howard Payne will play next on January 24th in the Brownwood Coliseum versus Concordia University Texas.