The No. 6 Howard Payne women won the first game of their two against Top 20 teams in Abilene, Texas, as they were victorious at No. 14 Hardin-Simmons on Thursday night, 59-54.

Howard Payne opened up a 51-39 lead in the second half before the Cowgirls (14-3, 12-2 American Southwest Conference) rallied. Kristen Harris hit a free throw and Laci Walker split a par of free throws to make it 53-44, Rachel Cisneroz then hit a 3-pointer, followed by a 2-pointer by Melissa Contrucci and another Cisneroz 3 to make it 53-52 with 2:11 to play.

Kim Hoffman hit a pair of free throws to make it 55-52 and HSU responded with a Contrucci layup. HSU had three turnovers in the final minute and could not get any closer. Full story

Howard Payne plays at No. 13 McMurry on Saturday. Women's scores.

The Maryville (Mo.) women won their 51st consecutive regular season SLIAC game, defeating Principia 78-61.

In men's action, No. 5 Mississippi College jumped out to a 30-11 lead and won its 16th consecutive game, defeating LeTourneau 72-51. Hood won for a program-record 15th time, defeating Gallaudet 77-63. The Hood men's program is in just its fourth season. Men's scores.