At Brownwood, Howard Payne ended McMurry's seven-game winning streak, outscoring the Nation 25-12 at the free-throw line.

Anna Berthel had 21 points and eight rebounds with LaPorsha Alexander adding 20 points and seven boards to lead McMurry (10-6, 7-5). Berthel and Alexander combined to make 18 of 29 shots, but the rest of the team was just 5-of-25 from the floor.

Howard Payne (13-4, 9-4) received balanced scoring with seven players scoring six points or more. Elaine Hobbs led the Lady Jackets with 14 points with Brittany Zamora and Roshonda Gayden added 12 apiece.

Zamora's 3-pointer with 4:57 to go put HPU ahead for good at 57-56 and she hit four free throws in the final 21 seconds to seal the game.