ABILENE, Texas – Howard Payne University led by just two points when Brittany Roberson stole a pass from with 1:01 to play, scored a bucket, completed the three-point play sealing a victory for the Yellow Jackets over McMurry University 61-58 in American Southwest Conference play Thursday night at Kimbrell Arena.

McMurry led by as many as 10 in the first half taking a 29-19 lead with 5:47 left in the first period thanks to two free throws from Anna Berthel. However, Howard Payne countered with a 10-2 run to close the half and McMurry held a narrow 31-29 halftime lead.

McMurry's largest lead in the second half was six points before the Yellow Jackets would take the lead for the remainder of the contest with 12:26 to go when Tresta Donahoo completed a three-point play to put HPU up 43-42.

Salazar ended the night as McMurry's leading scorer with 11 points with Thomas and Berthel adding 10 points each. Berthel lead the team with nine boards in the contest. For Howard Payne Roberson had 24 points and eight rebounds.

McMurry had one of its better shooting nights of the season at 42 percent on a 22 of 52 performance from the floor. However, Howard Payne turned McMurry's 18 turnovers into 21 points to aide in the victory.

The loss dropped McMurry to 7-6 overall with a 5-4 ASC record and snaps the team's three-game win streak. Howard Payne improves 9-5 overall and takes a half-game lead over McMurry in the west division with a 6-4 mark in conference play. McMurry returns to action Saturday when it take on Sul Ross State at 1 p.m.