The Howard Payne University women’s basketball team defeated the University of the Ozarks in the home and conference opener 85-52 Thursday afternoon in the Brownwood Coliseum.

The first quarter was a very close battle between the two teams. However, the Lady Jackets never trailed by more than two and led 19-12 going into the 2nd quarter.

The Eagles went on a 5-0 run to start the second half to get back within two of the Lady Jackets. However, HPU answered with an 11-0 run to go up 13.

Howard Payne continued to play steadily in the second quarter and had the nine-point 35-26 at the halfway mark.

The Lady Jackets outscored the Eagles 24-9 in the third quarter to lead 59-35 going into the final quarter.

In the fourth quarter, Howard Payne added to their lead to claim the 33 point 85-52 victory over Ozarks. This is head coach Rachel Janzen‘s first career win at HPU.

HPU finished the game shooting 53.1%  from the field (34-64). The Lady Jacket defense held the Eagles to 28.3% (17-60) from the field and forced 25 turnovers.

Bria Neal led the way with 20 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. Also scoring in double digits was Trynadee Greenwell with 15 points and Chelsey Harris with 11. Payge Grable had three assists, and Salina Ali had three steals for HPU.

The Lady Jackets improve to 1-1 on the season and 1-0 in American Southwest Conference action. Ozarks falls to 1-1 on the season and 0-1 in conference play.

Howard Payne will take on Lamar University on Friday, Nov. 12th, in Beaumont, Texas, at 7:00 PM. 

[Story, photo courtesy of HPUSports.com]