BOX SCORE

Brownwood, Texas – Dwayne Patterson and Darien Harris each registered a double-double in leading the Concordia University Texas men's basketball team to a 94-87 win over Howard Payne on Thursday, Jan. 24 at the Brownwood Coliseum. The Tornados, who rallied after trailing by eight at halftime, ended the evening on the verge of qualifying for the American Southwest Conference Tournament.

The teams played a very competitive first half. After Larry Durand gave Concordia 6-5 and 7-6 advantages by nailing two field goals, including one from long range, Jakalan Gayden hit a layup to give the Yellow Jackets an 8-7 edge and the lead for the rest of the frame. A Brandon Gould jumper gave Howard Payne a 53-45 lead at the recess.

Concordia (14-4, ASC 9-3), however, chipped away at the deficit in the second half and was able to take its first lead since the opening minutes of the ballgame when Nick Haynes made a free throw to make it 66-65 at the 11:34 mark. A good layup by Brett DeMetrotion gave the Tornados a 72-70 edge at the second media timeout.

After Gould made two free throws to tie the game at 74, Concordia started to break loose by netting the next nine points. Nick Haynes and Harris combined to make seven free throws during the stretch. The Yellow Jackets came no closer than four points the rest of the way.

Concordia was led by Patterson and Harris' double-double efforts. Patterson finished with 16 points, 12 rebounds and five steals, while Harris had 15 points, 11 boards, four picks and three blocked shots. Josh Sanchez netted a team-leading 18 points.

Gould and Christian Davis paced Howard Payne (5-13, ASC 3-9) by netting 23 and 21 points, respectively. Davis also added eight rebounds and three assists. Donovan Ford contributed 17 points off the bench.

Concordia will have the opportunity to qualify for the ASC Tournament for the sixth time in seven years when it visits Sul Ross State on Saturday, Jan. 26 at 3 p.m.