Cowboys Knock Off First Place Howard Payne

Feb. 11, 2006

ABILENE, Texas - Zach Pickelman scored 28 points and Mardochee Jean added 15 points, 17 rebounds and nine blocks as Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball team defeated Howard Payne, 84-70 at the Mabee Complex in Abilene on Saturday afternoon in American Southwest Conference action.

The Cowboys came out and controlled the tempo early in the game and Matt Brackett's 3-pointer at the buzzer gave HSU a 40-32 halftime lead.

HSU pushed the lead to as many as 13, before Howard Payne made a run to cut it to 57-56 with 8:45 to play in the game. Pickelman then responded with six points and Ryan Ocheskey added a 3-point play to give the Cowboys a 66-56 lead with 7:13 to play. The Jackets never threatened again.

HSU moved a step closer to clinching a spot in the ASC Tournament. They now need only a win or a Sul Ross State loss to claim a spot in the tournament.

Kendrick Johnson led Howard Payne with 20 points.

HSU improved to 14-9 overall and 13-7 in league play. Howard Payne fell to 16-5 overall and 15-4 in league play. HSU travels to Mary Hardin-Baylor on Thursday.