Howard Payne University’s Bria Neal recorded her seventh double-double of the season in a 68-56 loss to the University of Texas at Dallas Saturday afternoon.

It was a defensive battle with both teams holding the other to under 36% shooting in the game. Neither team shot well from the three-point line with UT Dallas going 4 of 21 (19.0%) and HPU making 6 of 27 (22.2%).

After leading 28-21 at the half, the Lady Jackets put together a 53.8% shooting third quarter but would trail 48-47 going into the final period.

UT Dallas outscored HPU 20-9 in the final period in the 68-56 final.

The Lady Jacket defense held the Comets to 33.9% shooting in the game, 19% from behind the arc, while HPU shot 35.1% from the field.

HPU’s Catlyn Ward tied her career scoring high with 16 points sparked by 3 of 4 three-point shooting. Bria Neal recorded her seventh double-double of the season with 11 points and 13 rebounds. Salina Ali added six points, seven rebounds, and five assists.

UT Dallas was led by Paris Kiser with 17 points, and Jordan Maxwell and Anna Jefferson-Polk with 11 points each.

Howard Payne is now 4-14 overall and 2-11 American Southwest Conference action. UT Dallas stands at 9-3 overall and 8-1 in league play. The Lady Jackets will play next on the road next week at the University of the Ozarks on Saturday at 1:00 pm.

[Story by HPUSports.com]