BROWNWOOD, Texas - The UT Dallas men's basketball team defeated Howard Payne 93-74 in the 2023-24 American Southwest Conference opener at the Brownwood Coliseum Thursday night.

The Comets (4-2, 1-0 ASC) took a 41-34 lead into halftime, but the Yellow Jackets (5-3, 0-1 ASC) started the second period on a 10-4 run, to trail 45-44 with 16:51 remaining in the game. UTD answered with an 18-4 rally over the next 4:30 and took control of the game. HPU would come within eight points at the 4:55 mark.

UTD shot 48.7 percent (37-for-76) from the field, including a scorching 58.82 percent (28-of-34) in the second half. They also were 11-of-37 from three-point range and 8-of-11 at the line with 36 rebounds, 23 assists, 13 turnovers, two blocks and 11 steals.

HPU shot 49.2 percent (29-of-59) overall, 2-of-16 from outside and 14-of-18 at the line with 34 rebounds, 17 assists, 19 turnovers, one block and six steals.

The Comets had their season bests in field goals made, field goals attempted, field goal percentage, three-pointers made, three-pointers attempted, assists and points.

UT Dallas Notes
- The Comets were one three-point attempt from tying the school record, shooting 37 times.
- Senior guard Donovan Souter scored 25 points, hitting five, three-pointers, and dished out a season-high five assists. He has scored 20 or more points in five straight games.
- Guard Nick Donnelly scored 21 points, his third time topping the 20-point mark, with career-highs of six assists, five rebounds and a blocked shot. He made four three-pointers. 
- Freshman Matthew Soto scored 10 points with a trio of steals and two assists.
- Jordan Balderaz came up with eight points, five rebounds and a pair of assists.
- Junior guard Luke Kiser posted seven points, four rebounds, six assists and three steals. He moved into eighth place on the UTD career steals list with 104 and tied for 10th with 224 career assists. 
- Sophomore forward Ethan Van Horn led the Comets in rebounds for the second consecutive game, pulling down seven. He also had five points, a block and a steal.
- Franklin Onyeme went 4-for-5 shooting for nine points.
- Junior center Tyler Stephenson went 2-for-2 and scored four points.

Howard Payne Notes
- Jarod Johnson recorded 13 points and six assists.
- Armonie Ramey also scored 13 points with four rebounds and a blocked shot.
- Hudson Johnson came off the bench for a team-best 16 points.
- Carter May had eight points and Chase Glasper had eight points and six rebounds.
- Myles Brown added six points, six rebounds.

Up Next
The Comets will go to Sul Ross State in Alpine, Texas on Saturday for a 3 p.m. start.