JACKSON, Mississippi – The Howard Payne University men’s basketball team fell 82-73 on the road to Belhaven University Thursday evening in American Southwest Conference action.

Howard Payne put together an 8-0 run midway through the second period to pull within six, 69-63, but 7 of 8 free-throws by Belhaven down the stretch secured the game 82-73 for the Blazers.

The Yellow Jackets forced 25 Blazer turnovers but 14.3% (3 of 21) shooting from behind the arc and 36.9% (24 of 65) shooting  from the field  for HPU would prove to be the difference in the game.

HPU was led by Jaylan Ballou with a game-high 20 points along with seven rebounds, five steals and three assists. Miles Koehler added 14 points and three assists off the bench, and Fredrick Watts recorded 12 points and seven rebounds. Jerren Godfrey also added five steals.

Belhaven was led by Matthew McMillan with 14 points and eight assists followed by Donovan Givans with 13 points.

Howard Payne is now 3-8 overall and 2-4 in American Southwest Conference action. Belhaven stands at 4-4 overall and 2-3 in league play. The Jackets will be at East Texas Baptist on Saturday for a conference match-up starting at 3:00 pm.

(Story courtesy HPU Sports Information)