The Howard Payne University men’s basketball team won its home opener 77-64 over the defending American Southwest Conference champions, the University of the Ozarks, Thursday evening at the Brownwood Coliseum.

Trailing 39-31 at the half, the Yellow Jackets used a two different 10-0 runs to gain the lead midway through the second period. Howard Payne outscored the Ozarks 46-25 in the second half.

HPU’s Michael House led all scorers with 22 points, 14 in the second half. House was a perfect 8 of 8 from the line.

Myles Brown followed with 16 points and six rebounds for the Jackets. Jaylan Ballou had 12 points and a game-high five assists with three steals. Fredrick Watts recorded his second double-double of the year with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks.

The Yellow Jackets held the Eagles to 32% shooting in the second half and also forced 19 turnovers on the night. HPU outrebounded the Ozarks 49-30 in the game.

Ozarks was led by Kamren Roelke and Grayson Nix with 20 points each.

Howard Payne is now 2-0 overall and 1-0 in American Southwest Conference action. Ozarks falls to 0-2 overall and 0-1 in league play. The Yellow Jackets will play next at home versus Southwestern University at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 16th.

[Story, photo courtesy of HPUSports.com]