The Howard Payne University women’s basketball team claimed the ASC West Division title with a 74-50 victory over Sul Ross State University in the regular season finale Saturday afternoon and will fight for the ASC Championship Thursday, February 25.

Sparked by great play from all four Howard Payne seniors, the Lady Jackets dominated the Lobos of Sul Ross State forcing 28 turnovers and outrebounding the Lobos 48-38. The victory gives the Lady Jackets their sixth American Southwest Conference West Division title.

Howard Payne started strong leading 18-6 at the end of the first quarter. Despite only shooting 35% from the field in the first half, the Lady Jackets would lead 35-25 at the halftime break.

The Lady Jackets began to separate even more in the third quarter outscoring the Lobos 25-14. Leading by as more as 27 in the fourth, HPU would then cruise to the 74-50 victory.

HPU seniors Danyel Bradley and Yessenia Cazares led all scorers with 12 points each. Cazares also had three assists and four steals. Senior Jessica Galaviz finished with 10 points on 5-of-6 shooting along with a team high seven rebounds.

Senior Micah Cisneroz had seven points, five rebounds and three assists. Ashley Caldwell finished with 10 points and six rebounds.

Sul Ross was led by Ashley Ousley and Desare Alleny with 10 points each. Ousley also had four assists and five steals. 

Howard Payne finishes the regular season at 16-9 overall and 10-4 in ASC play. Sul Ross State finishes its season at 4-11 overall and 1-13 in conference action.

Howard Payne will play the University of Texas at Dallas in the opening round of the ASC Championship tournament on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 2:30 pm.  Live links for audio, stats and video of the game will be available at HPUsports.com.

CLICK HERE for full tournament details.