LINCOLN, Nebraska – The Howard Payne University men’s basketball team outscored Nebraska Wesleyan University 67-56 in the second half but fell in the end 112-104 Friday evening on day one of the Snyder Classic.

After trailing by as much as 22 points in the first half, the Yellow Jackets used 53.8% shooting in the second period to pull within six points twice. First time with just over eight minutes to play (80-74) and the second in the final seconds of the game (110-104).

HPU had six Yellow Jackets finish with double digits in scoring. Jaylan Ballou was 6 of 9 from the field and 9 of 11 from the line for a new career high of 22 points along with a game high of nine assists. Following Ballou was Myles Brown and Fredrick Watts with 16 points each. Watts also grabbed a team high eight rebounds.

Michael House had 13 points, Jerren Godfrey had 12 points and Miles Koehler added 11 points off the bench for the Jackets.

Nebraska Wesleyan was led by Peter Lash with 22 points and 12 rebounds.

Howard Payne is now 2-3 overall and Nebraska Wesleyan stands at 2-2 on the year. The Yellow Jackets will play Wisconsin – River Falls on Saturday, day two of the Snyder Classic.