The game was tied at 68 with 2:48 to go before the Jackets’ Frank Jones hit a lay-up. Michael Knight then scored on a jumper with 1:47 to go and he stole a pass and got a dunk at the 1:34 mark to give the Jackets a 74-68 lead. Andre Washington hit a baseline jumper with 1:13 to cut it back to 74-70 with 1:13 to play, but could not get a shot to fall in the last minute.
HSU led 44-43 at halftime behind 17 points from freshman Tanner Kudrna. Neither team led by more than eight points in the game that was well-played on both sides. There were six tied and seven lead changes in the game.
Kudrna, who was held to just three shots in the second half, led the Cowboys with 19. Fellow freshmen Zach Pickelman and Andre Washington scored 17 and 10 points respectively.
Benny West led the Jackets with 29 points, 12 rebounds, six steals and four assists. Knight was the only other Jacket in double figures with 10.
HSU fell to 5-11 overall and 3-2 in ASC West play. HPU improved to 11-5 and 3-2. The Cowboys return to action Thursday at Schreiner.