ABILENE, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball team beat Howard Payne 81-66 in American Southwest Conference West Division play on Saturday afternoon at the Mabee Complex.

The early going saw five ties and three lead changes with the game tied at 17. HSU then went on an 11-2 run midway through the first half to take a 30-19 lead with 9:08 to play in the half and never trailed the rest of the game. HSU pushed the lead to 51-42 at halftime.

In the second half, HSU pushed the lead to as many as 22 points on three different occasions as the Cowboys held Howard Payne to 7-of-29 shooting in the second half.

The Cowboys again had a balanced attack with Dashun Dixon leading five Cowboys in double figures with 18 points. Cameron Barnes had 14 points off the bench and Caleb Spoon hit four 3-pointers for his 12 points. Nathaniel Jack added 11 points and 11 rebounds and Duane Hopper had 10 points.  

Khyce Randall led Howard Payne with 16 points and Rickey Guillory added 12.

HSU dominated the game on the glass with a 45-33 advantage.

The Cowboys are 13-8 overall and 8-4 in the ASC. Howard Payne fell to 9-13 overall and 4-7 in conference action. HSU will play at Texas Dallas on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in a non-conference tilt.