Howard Payne scored 11 of the final 16 points en route to a 65-60 win over the LeTourneau University men's basketball team on Saturday in Brownwood.
 
LETU (5-20, 3-17 ASC) held a one-point lead when freshman Jared Hunter made one of two free throws with 2:23 to play. HPU (14-11, 14-6 ASC) scored on its next four possessions, including a jumper by Brandon Gould to take a 56-55 lead with 2:11 to play. Howard Payne remained in front for the rest of the contest.
 
The late spurt by Howard Payne spoiled a second half by LeTourneau that saw the visitors rally from a deficit as large as 16 in the first half. As LeTourneau made its comeback in the second half, they held Howard Payne to 33.3% (8-for-24) shooting.  
 
"Well, it was a tough loss to end our seasson that way as our guys battled and had a chance to win on the road," said LETU head coach Dan Miller. "I am proud of the fight, we showed on the road, the way we defended and pounded the ball inside."

In the loss for LeTourneau, junior Giovanny Thompson had a double double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Freshman Kelby Schimming added 15 and senior Aaron Frizell in his final game scored 12. Off the bench, junior guard Chris Hynes handed out six assists to go along with six points.
 
Howard Payne was led by the 24-point effort from Gould, who made 7 of 13 field goals and 10 of 11 free throws. Ty Davis and Sterling Smoak each added 11 in the win for HPU, who will move on to next week's American Southwest Conference Tournament. "Howard Payne went from 5 wins, last season to 4th in the conference, this year. We believe we will be that team, next season," said Miller.
 
Frizell and senior Josh Thornton were playing in their final game for LeTourneau. Both have been tireless contributors to the LeTourneau University men's basketball program.

"It was a great honor to coach our two seniors, Josh and Aaron," said Miller.  "They are outsanding young men!"