BROWNWOOD, Texas – McMurry University Men's Basketball was topped 76-63 by Howard Payne University Thursday evening at the Brownwood Coliseum in an American Southwest Conference matchup.

After swapping the lead in the first eight minutes, the Yellow Jackets (4-18, 2-11 ASC) took the lead for good on a layup with 12:17 to go in the first half. Trailing by 10 twice in the half, the War Hawks (9-14, 6-8 ASC) battled back both times to get within four.

McMurry shot just 34.4 percent in the first half as they trailed 35-28 at the break.

The War Hawks got within three early in the second half, but couldn't break through as the Yellow Jackets pulled away late. Howard Payne led by as many as 20 as the game neared conclusion before a late flurry of McMurry baskets.

Overall, the War Hawks shot just 37.3 percent from the field compared to 50.8 percent for Howard Payne. HPU also held an advantage in bench points and points in the paint.

Junior forward Mike Williams Jr. led the way with 13 points and nine rebounds, while sophomore guard Isaac Moreno added 11. Senior forward Jordan Jackson scored eight points with a game-high 10 rebounds. Five others contributed six points.

Despite the loss, the War Hawks still control their own destiny, as they can clinch a berth in the ASC tournament with a win over Sul Ross State Saturday. Tipoff at the Lobos is scheduled for 3 p.m.