AUSTIN – The Lady Jackets took down Concordia (TX) on the road in a gutsy 59-56 win. Anna Beamesderfer put HPU ahead on a layup with just 27 seconds remaining.
The Lady Jackets came out firing as they jumped out to a 12-6 lead sparked by four quick points from Taliyah Bess. The Tornados responded with a 10-0 run to take the lead heading into the 2nd quarter. HPU could not retake the lead heading into the break trailing 35-28.
Concordia continued where they left off going up by as much as 11 points in the 3rd quarter. The Lady Jackets were able to fight back to take the lead 53-51 on a layup from Asia Mitchell with 5:06 remaining in the 4th. The Tornados answered with five straight points from Daysha Tijerina giving Concordia a 56-53 lead. Anna Beamesderfer would score four straight points to give the Lady Jackets a one-point lead with just 27 seconds remaining. A pair of free throws from Taliyah Bess would seal the game for HPU winning 59-56.
Howard Payne dominated the glass outrebounding Concordia 51-33 including 25 offensive rebounds. Taliyah Bess led the way with nine rebounds along with Asia Mitchell contributing eight. HPU led the game in second chance points adding 18 along the way.
The Lady Jackets shot 28.6% (18-63) from the field knocking down only two three-pointers. Concordia finished 36.8% (21-57) for the game. HPU shot 26 free throws on the game, hitting 20 of them.
Anna Beamesderfer led the way for the Lady Jackets with 17 points. Following behind was Taliyah Bess who recorded 12 points and nine rebounds.
The Tornados were led by Daysha Tijerina who notched 17 points along with Jordan Bravo adding 11 points.
The Lady Jackets break an eight-game losing streak with a 59-56 conference road win versus Concordia (TX). HPU will look to continue their winning efforts as they take on UMHB in another road contest on Saturday.