Brownwood, Texas-The Howard Payne men's basketball team overcame a 41-40 halftime deficit to upend the Eagles 88-76 in American Southwest Conference play Thursday night.
Howard Payne (4-4, 3-1 ASC) went on a 10-2 run early in the second half to fuel the victory. The Eagles (4-3, 1-3 ASC) last lead came at the 17:28 mark of the second half. Howard Payne shot 51 percent from the floor in the second half to keep Ozarks from the win.
Josh Berard had a big first half with 17 points to help the Eagles to a one point halftime lead. Ozarks actually outshot the Yellow Jackets from the field (47%-43%) and the free throw line (81%-63%), but couldn't overcome a 45-33 rebounding deficit in the contest. Additionally, Howard Payne's bench outscored Ozarks 36-7.
Jace Richardson and Berard combined for 52 points and made 19-of-33 from the field. Richardson led with 27 points, while Berard had 25. Dylan Gray posted a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
Ozarks will face Sul Ross State Saturday in Alpine, Texas.