The Howard Payne University men’s basketball team lost in triple overtime to McMurry University 125-112 Saturday afternoon in the Brownwood Coliseum.

Fredrick Watts led the Yellow Jackets with a double-double that included 26 points and 15 rebounds.

The Yellow Jackets got off to a rocky start, falling behind 15 points before going on a 6-0 to get within nine at the halfway mark.

HPU fell behind 14 points to start the second half before going on a 15-3 run to get within one.

Tyrell Thompson got fouled on the go ahead layup to make the 82-80 with one second remaining. Thompson made the free throw to give the Yellow Jackets the 83-80 lead. McMurry’s Elias Garcia made a half court buzzer beater to send the game into overtime.

The Yellow Jackets fell behind nine points with just under three minutes remaining. Howard Payne was down three points with nine seconds left when Myles Brown hit a three pointer to send the game into double over time.

Howard Payne was unable to stop McMurry in the third overtime, falling 123-112.

The Yellow Jackets had five players score in double digits. Fredrick Watts led the way with 26 points and 15 rebounds. Tyrell Thompson also had a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds. Jaylan Ballou had 24 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and six steals. Myles Brown had 21 points and nine rebounds. Jerren Godfrey added 15 points.

The Yellow Jackets fall to 4-12 on the season and 3-8 in American Southwest Conference action. The War Hawks improve to 6-8 overall and 4-5 in conference play.

Howard Payne will be back in action on January 20th against LeTourneau University at 7:30 PM in the Brownwood Coliseum.

(story courtesy HPU Sports Information)