Down 45-29 at the break, Howard Payne (0-5, 0-1) started the second half with five quick points by Jacob Smith and a bucket from Brad Erskin to close the gap to nine points, 45-36, just 1:41 after intermission.
Sul Ross (3-3, 1-0) responded with three consecutive three-pointers – one by Cayleb Kerley and two by Tristen Licon – to stretch the lead to 54-38 with 16:16 remaining. The Lobos gradually extended their lead the rest of the way, which peaked at 28 points, 80-52, with 4:14 to go.
Howard Payne shot 33 percent (24 of 73) from the floor, including 26 percent (6 of 23) from the three-point land, while converting 64 percent (9 of 14) of its free throws. The Yellow Jackets were outrebounded 54-41 and committed 14 turnovers that led to 18 Sul Ross points.
Tyrell Thompson led Howard Payne with 19 points trailed by nine each from James Helzer and Jacob Smith, Brad House and Michael House with six points apiece, Evan Adkins with five, Reese Ridder and Bryce Tousha with three each, Mason Green with two and Harold Myart with one point.
Sul Ross sank 49 percent (36 of 74) of its field goals, 33 percent (10 of 30) of its treys, and 67 percent (6 of 9) of its free throws.
Licon logged a game-high 25 points followed by Omar Boone with 14 and Kerley with 10.
The Yellow Jackets are slated to visit LeTourneau at 3 p.m. Tuesday.