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Contributed by Chad Grubbs, HSU Director of Athletic Communications
ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons' women's basketball team could never get all the way back after falling into a big hole in the first half in an 85-66 American Southwest Conference loss to Howard Payne on Saturday afternoon at the Mabee Complex.
Howard Payne jumped out to a 23-12 first quarter lead and then extended the lead to 41-18 at halftime.
At halftime the Cowgirls honored the 2006 Final Four team as well as the 1966-67 HSU team. Around 50 former Cowgirl players were in attendance for the game.
The Cowgirls came out on fire in the third quarter and outscored the Lady Jackets 27-18. Kourtney Holyfield's 3-pointer cut the deficit to 69-62 with 5:57 to play, but HPU responded with a 10-2 run to push the lead back out.
Addison Garcia had 14 points and 10 rebounds for her second straight double-double. Kayla Brown also had a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds. Maddison Spears added 14 points.
Danyel Bradley led HPU with 30 points, 10 assists and seven steals. Presley McKethan had 20 points and was 6-for-7 from 3-point range.
HPU turned 19 HSU turnovers into a 32-9 advantage in points off turnovers. HSU won the battle of the board 39-33.
The Cowgirls are now 9-13 on the season and 6-6 in the ASC. Howard Payne improved to 14-8 overall and 8-3 in league play. HSU will end its five-game home stand with a game against McMurry next Saturday.
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