The Howard Payne men’s basketball team was unable to hit free throws when it counted and lost 50-55 to Sul Ross State University Lobos Monday afternoon at the Brownwood Coliseum.

The men fought back from a 10 point deficit midway through the second half with a chance to tie the game at 52 with 40 seconds remaining, but missed the front end of a one and one. On the ensuing possession, the Lobos made one of two free throws.

Behind three seconds remaining, the Jackets would again get fouled missing both free throws. SRSU made their final two free throws to lock the game up for the Lobos, 50-55.
Brandon Irwin led all scorers with 18 points and added five rebounds. Michael Thompson had seven points and four rebounds.

Sul Ross’ Anthony Stephens finished with a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Jimmy Martinez led all scorers for the game with 20 points.

The Jackets shot 32 percent for the game on 19-60 shooting. The Lobos shot 38 percent on 19-50 shooting. Sul Ross out rebounded the Howard Payne 49-32.

The Jackets fall to 4-8 overall and 3-5 in conference. The Lobos are 5-6 overall and 4-4 in the ASC play.

The next game for the Jackets is at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6 at the Brownwood Coliseum against East Texas Baptist University.