'Roo Men Race Past Howard Payne

SHERMAN, Texas - The Austin College men's basketball team nearly cracked the century mark in the points column on Saturday afternoon, topping visiting Howard Payne University 95-71 in Hughey Gym. The 'Roos are now 2-4 overall this season.

Five 'Roos cracked double digits in the game, led by 21 from Jackson Rennie as Austin College dished out 25 assists on their 37 made baskets. The 'Roos shot 45.7% from the field in the win, including drilling 16-o-34 attempts from three point range. Tristan Dick led the way from long distance, knocking down 6-of-10 triples on his way to 18 points, while Rennie and Roman Strickland each hit three treys in the victory. Strickland finished with 17 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and three steals.

Austin College limited Howard Payne to just 1-of-19 shooting from beyond the arc and 35.5% shooting overall, and the 'Roos built a 48-27 lead at halftime. Austin College hit 10 of their 16 triples in the opening frame on their way to the big halftime lead, and the Jackets were never able to get the margin under 16 points the rest of the way. The closest things got down the stretch was 85-69 with 2:53 on the clock, but Chanston Goodman and Strickland knocked down back-to-back triples to push it to a 91-71 game and the 'Roos would coast to the win.

Jaylyn Cleamons and Chase Antosca each came off the bench to reach double figures, with Cleamons scoring 12 while Antosca chipped in 11. Goodman finished with eight points and eight assists, while Jaylan Ballou led Howard Payne with 19 points, four assists, and four steals. Fredrick Watts added 14 points and eight boards for the Jackets.

Austin College is home on Friday when they enter Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play with a game against Trinity University.