The Howard Payne women’s basketball team fought back from a 39-37 deficit after the third quarter to defeat the Dallas Crusaders 61-51 at home Saturday.

The Yellow Jackets (3-6) had two players score in double figures, led by Madison Clay, who had 16 points and two steals. Caitlyn Panuco tacked on a double-double from the bench with 11 points and 14 rebounds and Tatum Walker added eight points, 11 rebounds and two steals.

Walker pulled down four offensive rebounds to pace an offense that racked up second chance opportunities for Howard Payne, grabbing 13 boards and turning them into 11 second chance points.

The Howard Payne defense was a problem in Saturday’s game, forcing 18 Dallas turnovers while committing 12. Those takeaways turned into seven points on the other end of the floor. Azaylee Santos led the way individually for the Yellow Jackets with four steals.

How It Happened

After falling behind 12-6, Howard Payne went on a 6-0 run with 3:40 left in the first quarter, culminating in a three from Santos, to tie the game at 12. Dallas then pulled ahead, sending the Yellow Jackets into the second quarter down 19-15.

Dallas kept adding to that lead, building a 25-15 advantage before Howard Payne went on a 10-0 run, highlighted by a bucket from Walker, to tie the game at 25. Neither team was able to gain an edge by halftime, as the two squads entered the break tied at 27-27. Howard Payne dominated in the paint, scoring eight of its 12 points close to the basket.

Dallas proceeded to claw their way ahead after halftime, leaving Howard Payne trailing 39-37 as the game entered the fourth quarter. Howard Payne played well near the basket, scoring eight of its 10 points in the paint.

Dallas kept widening its lead in the fourth, constructing a 45-42 advantage before Howard Payne went on a 12-0 run, finished off by Panuco’s layup, to seize a 54-45 lead with 2:30 to go in the contest. The Yellow Jackets kept expanding the margin and coasted the rest of the way for the 61-51 win. Howard Payne got a boost from its bench in the period, with non-starters scoring 11 of its 24 total points.

Game Notes

» Caitlyn Panuco notched a double-double for the Yellow Jackets with 11 points and 14 rebounds.
» The Yellow Jackets rallied from a two-point 39-37 third quarter deficit to pick up the win.
» The Yellow Jackets held the Crusaders to only 31.2 percent shooting from the field.
» Howard Payne had a great day defensively, holding Dallas to 8 percent from three point land on 12 attempts.
» The Howard Payne bench made an impact by scoring 28 points to its scoring output.
» Howard Payne had a 47-45 edge on the boards in the win.
» The Howard Payne defense forced 18 turnovers.
» Howard Payne cleaned up on the offensive glass, collecting 13 offensive boards in the game.
» Madison Clay led the Yellow Jackets with a game-high 16 points.
» Caitlyn Panuco grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds to lead Howard Payne and Tatum Walker contributed 11.

The Lady Jackets will face McMurry University in Abilene on Friday the 13th. Gametime is set for 5:30 P.M.