Hudson Johnson and Armonie Ramey scored 23 points a piece, but the Howard Payne men’s basketball team fell to the Hardin-Simmons Cowboys 96-94 at home Thursday. It’s worthy to note that Ramey eclipsed over 1,000 career points.

The Yellow Jackets (8-10, 0-3) had three players score in double figures. Ramey added a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds and Riley Fornerette helped out with 11 points.

The Howard Payne defense caused its share of mistakes in Thursday’s game, forcing 25 Hardin-Simmons turnovers while committing 14. Those takeaways turned into 29 points on the other end of the floor. Trey Jackson’s four steals led the way individually for the Yellow Jackets.

How It Happened

After falling behind 25-13, Howard Payne went on a 7-0 run with 8:33 left in the first half to narrow its deficit to 25-20. The Yellow Jackets deficit remained the same as they entered halftime trailing 41-36.

After intermission, Howard Payne kept the Cowboys from increasing their lead before going on a 9-0 run, finished off by Ramey’s layup, to seize a 47-43 lead with 17:42 to go in the contest. Hardin-Simmons re-asserted control, outscoring the Yellow Jackets 53-47 the rest of the way to hand Howard Payne the 96-94 loss. Howard Payne capitalized on 11 Hardin-Simmons turnovers in the period, collecting 17 points off those turnovers.

Game Notes

» Armonie Ramey notched an impressive double-double for the Yellow Jackets with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
» The Yellow Jackets dominated the turnover battle, forcing 25 Hardin-Simmons giveaways while committing only 14.
» The Howard Payne defense forced 25 turnovers.
» Hudson Johnson led the Yellow Jackets with 23 points and Armonie Ramey added 23.
» Howard Payne got a game-high 10 rebounds from Armonie Ramey.

Howard Payne will face Mary-Hardin Baylor at home next Thurday, January 30th, at 7:30 P.M.