Fourth Quarter Woes Doom 'Roo Women's Basketball

SHERMAN, Texas - Howard Payne University used a decisive fourth-quarter run to pull away from the Austin College women's basketball team, handing the 'Roos a 52-46 defeat on Tuesday night in Hughey Gym. With the loss, the 'Roos fall to 5-6 on the season, while the Yellow Jackets improve to 8-10.

In a game defined by defense, Howard Payne held Austin College to just six points in the final period. Clinging to a narrow 41-40 lead entering the fourth quarter, the Yellow Jackets opened the frame with an 8-0 run. Caitlyn Parson hit a 3-pointer at the 7:02 mark to extend the lead, and Caitlyn Panuco followed with another triple with 6:02 remaining to give Howard Payne its largest lead of the game at 49-40.

Austin College was held scoreless for nearly seven minutes in the fourth quarter until Brooklyn Matthews hit a jumper with 3:17 remaining to cut the deficit to 49-42. Amarys Cuellar brought the 'Roos within striking distance, scoring a fast-break jumper with 1:40 left and a layup with 56 seconds remaining to narrow the gap to 49-46. However, Howard Payne's Kate Buchanan knocked down a pair of free throws with 26 seconds on the clock to make it 51-46, effectively sealing the victory for the visitors as the 'Roos were unable to get on the board again in the closing moments of the game.

The first half was a back-and-forth affair featuring four lead changes. Austin College took a 17-15 lead at the end of the first quarter courtesy of a Trinity Williams 3-pointer with 17 seconds left in the period. The 'Roos maintained a slight edge heading into halftime, leading 29-27. Cuellar led Austin College with 14 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, and tied for the team lead with three blocked shots. Lexi Martin added 12 points, shooting 4-of-7 from beyond the arc, while Matthews anchored the defense with a team-high nine rebounds and three blocks.

For Howard Payne, Panuco led all scorers with 15 points and added a game-high four steals. Parson finished just shy of a double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds, and Taylor McAfee chipped in 10 points. The Yellow Jackets finished the game with 16 steals and forced 23 Austin College turnovers. Despite shooting just 35.2% from the field compared to Austin College's 40.4%, Howard Payne capitalized on extra possessions thanks to their efforts on defense as well as grabbing 12 offensive boards, and outscored the 'Roos 8-to-1 at the free throw line.