MARSHALL, Texas – Hardin-Simmons' men's basketball team beat Howard Payne 101-75 in the semifinal of the American Southwest Conference Championship on Friday afternoon at Ornelas Gym in Marshall, Texas.
 
The Cowboys came out and dominated the game in the paint outscoring the Yellowjackets 68-26 in the paint. HSU outrebounded HPU, 57-28.
 
Sophomore Chris Bryant led the way with 24 points and 12 rebounds, Austin Brewer had 22 points and nine rebounds and Will Bartoszek had 16 points. Asher Fleming had nine points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
 
The Cowboys opened the game on a 10-2 run and never trailed in the contest. HSU led 40-36 with 3:47 to play in the half and then scored the final seven points of the half to open up a 47-36 lead.
 
HSU took total control in the second half and pushed the lead out to as many 29 points.
 
Trey Jackson led four HPU players in double figures with 18 points. Riley Fornerette had 15, Armonie Ramey chipped in 14 and Hudson Johnson scored 13.
 
The Cowboys are 17-9 on the year and Howard Payne closes the year with a record of 13-15.
 
HSU will play Mary Hardin-Baylor for the ASC title on Saturday at 2 p.m. UMHB beat LeTourneau 97-89 in the other semifinal.
 
The Cowboys are looking for their first ASC title since 2017. It will be coach Matt Brackett's third trip to the ASC Championship game.  
 
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