AUSTIN, Texas – In a game defined by pace and offensive fireworks, the Concordia Texas men's basketball team came up just short, falling 119-117 to Howard Payne inside Deb & Don Christian Fieldhouse on Tuesday afternoon.

The Tornados and Yellow Jackets traded blows throughout, with the score tied nine times and the lead changing hands on 10 occasions. Both teams lit up the scoreboard in the first half, with CTX holding a slim 57-52 advantage at the break. Howard Payne responded with 67 points in the second half to escape with the narrow win.

Concordia showcased its balanced attack, with three starters eclipsing 20 points. Joey Ramirez led all scorers with 31 points and seven rebounds, while Aaron San Miguel drained seven threes en route to 26 points. Anariss Brandon added a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Silas Livingston chipped in 10 points off the bench.

Howard Payne countered with a monster performance from Armonie Ramey and Ben Phillip. The Yellow Jackets dominated in transition, scoring 48 fast-break points and 74 in the paint.

Despite the loss, CTX held its own on the glass, pulling down 52 rebounds and converting 24 second-chance points. The Tornados' bench contributed 29 points, highlighted by Cameron Thompson's nine.

BOX SCORE STANDOUTS

Joey Ramirez 31 Pts, 7 Reb

Aaron San Miguel 26 Pts, 7 3FG

Anariss Brandon 23 Pts, 10 Reb

Silas Livingston 10 Pts, 6 Ast

Concordia Texas moves to 6-2 on the season and will look to regroup against Texas Lutheran University on Jan. 1 at 2 PM.

To keep up to date with everything surrounding the CTX men's basketball program, follow us on social media (@ctxathletics) and visit athletics.concordia.edu.