Story courtesy of HPUSports.com

Howard Payne delivered one of its biggest moments of the season Saturday afternoon, defending home court in dramatic fashion with a 65-63 last-second conference win over Hardin-Simmons inside the Brownwood Coliseum. The game carried the weight of a major ASC matchup and played like it from the opening tip, with eight ties and six lead changes as neither side could create much separation. Hardin-Simmons built a halftime edge and used a strong third quarter to extend its lead, outscoring Howard Payne 26-17 in the period to take control heading into the fourth.

That’s when the Yellow Jackets flipped the script.

Howard Payne stormed back in the final quarter behind defensive stops and clutch free throw shooting, pouring in 21 fourth-quarter points while holding Hardin-Simmons to just 11. The Jackets went 11-of-13 from the line in the final frame, chipping away possession by possession until the game came down to the final seconds.

With the home crowd rising to its feet, Howard Payne delivered the knockout blow at the buzzer, sealing the two-point victory and sending the Coliseum into celebration mode.

Hope Hermesmeyer led the way with 18 points, knocking down three shots from deep and going a perfect 7-for-7 at the free throw line. Caitlyn Parsons added 16 points and dominated the glass with 14 rebounds for a double-double effort. Kate Buchanan provided a major lift as well, finishing with 12 points on an efficient 5-of-7 shooting night.

As a team, Howard Payne shot 76 percent from the free throw line and outrebounded Hardin-Simmons 41-36, key factors in a game decided by a single possession. In a matchup with conference implications and playoff energy, the Yellow Jackets protected home floor in the most dramatic way possible, a buzzer-beating finish that turned a tight ASC battle into a signature home win.