Lady Jackets advance to ASC basketball championship game

Howard Payne defeats East Texas Baptist 60-58 in semifinal

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Howard Payne Lady Jackets defeated the East Texas Baptist Lady Tigers 60-58 in the American Southwest Conference basketball tournament semifinal. The Lady Jackets will now advance to the championship game on Saturday against tournament host Hardin-Simmons, seeking their first ASC title since 2011.

Why it matters

This is a significant achievement for the Howard Payne women's basketball program, which has not won an ASC championship in 15 years. Advancing to the title game provides the Lady Jackets an opportunity to end that drought and capture their sixth ASC crown in program history.

The details

The game was a close affair, with the score tied 58-58 in the closing seconds. Caitlyn Panuco hit two free throws with 5 seconds left to give Howard Payne the lead, and Caitlyn Parsons sealed the win with a steal just before the final buzzer. Hope Hermesmeyer led the Lady Jackets with 16 points, while Panuco added 15 and Parsons and Amaris Ambriz each scored 9.

  • The semifinal game was played on Friday, February 27, 2026.
  • The ASC championship game will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 2 p.m.

The players

Howard Payne Lady Jackets

The women's basketball team from Howard Payne University, seeking their first ASC title since 2011.

East Texas Baptist Lady Tigers

The women's basketball team from East Texas Baptist University, who fell to Howard Payne in the semifinal.

Hardin-Simmons

The host university for the 2026 ASC basketball tournament, where the championship game will be played.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.