ABILENE, Texas – McMurry University Women's Basketball nearly erased a 19 point deficit against Howard Payne inside Kimbrell Arena on Thursday night, but the comeback fell short in an 85-75 loss in American Southwest Conference action.

McMurry (0-13, 0-9) closed the gap to five points with 1:55 remaining, riding the momentum of a Sidney McHenry layup to pull within two possessions. The momentum was shut down on the next two possessions by HPU (7-4, 4-1) when Salina Ali scored back-to-back to extend the lead back to nine in the final minute.

Shooting was fairly even throughout the contest, with HPU finishing 27-59 on field goals (45.8) and McM shooting 26-61 (44.4). The difference maker was free throw shooting, with the Yellow Jackets going 24-37 at the charity stripe. McMurry fouled 28 times in the contest.

Junior Aubrey Guerra led the team with 37 minutes played, shooting 8-14 from the field and 4-9 behind the arc to finish with 20 points – matching HPU's Ali for a game-high.

Both Guerra and sophomore Destiny Mathews had double-doubles, with Guerra added 11 rebounds to her 20 points. Mathews had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

McHenry and fellow sophomore Trinity Meador also finished in double figures, with McHenry collecting 14 points and Meador adding 13. Meador shot 3-7 behind the arc.

Sophomore Taya Bridges was the defensive MVP for McMurry, recording four steals and a block.

McMurry will face a familiar foe on Saturday, as it welcomes Sul Ross State to Kimbrell Arena for an 11 a.m. tip-off. The War Hawks and Lobos have played twice this season, with Sul Ross winning both games.