In Saturday’s 86-78 triumph over Austin College, the Yellow Jackets (5-0) trailed 48-44 at halftime, but limited the visiting Kangaroos to just 30 points in the second half on 28 percent (9 of 32) shooting with no three-pointers.
Meanwhile, Howard Payne connected on 47 percent (26 of 55) of its shots for the game, and knocked down eight treys. The Yellow Jackets were outrebounded 37-30, but committed just 14 turnovers while forcing 23 by Austin College, which resulted in 25 HPU points.
Ben Phillip, Trey Jackson and Jordan McClendon each poured in 13 points for the Jackets, along with 12 apiece from Ziyan Ali and reigning American Southwest Conference Player of the Week Armonie Ramey.
Kidus Getenet scored 23 points for Austin College and Jamien June added 20, as the Kangaroos finished the game shooting 40 percent (26 of 64).
In Friday night’s 113-90 victory over the Mississippi University for Women, Howard Payne achieved a 4-0 start to the season for the first time in more than 50 years.
The Yellow Jackets shot 54 percent (46 of 86) from the floor, with 16 successful three-point attempts, owned a 38-30 edge in rebounds, and forced 23 turnovers while committing 18.
Five Yellow Jackets reached double figures – McClendon with 15, Jackson and Braylon Crosby with 12 each, and Ramey and Ali with 10 points apiece.
The Jackets are back in action at 7 p.m. Thursday at McMurry, their first road test of the 2025-26 season.
