ALPINE, Texas – The Celts of the University of St. Thomas concluded a long road trip with a big win Sunday as they defeated Howard Payne 100-75 at the ASC/SCAC Crossover, hosted by Sul Ross State.

Sheridan Hopkins (Galveston, Texas/Ball HS) scored a game-high 28 points to lead the Celts, who improved to 5-2 for the season. Bresha Orange scored 24 points for the Celts, shooting 6-of-10 from 3-point range for the second consecutive game.

Micayla Hamilton (Richmond, Texas/Foster) came off the bench to score 11 points for the Celts, while Jazz Taylor (Duncanville, Texas/Abilene Christian) chipped in nine points in addition to handing out eight assists.

The Celts reached the century mark in points for the second time this season and third time in the history of the current program, dating back to the 2011-12 season. Both 100-point outputs this season came in a regulation, 40-minute game.

UST jumped out to an early 16-6 lead midway through the first quarter before the Yellow Jackets responded with an 8-0 run to cut UST's lead to two points. The Celts then answered back with a 14-2 run over the last 2:33 of the first quarter to take a 30-16 lead.

Howard Payne would cut the lead to single-digits several times during the second and third quarters, but 10 unanswered UST points between the 2:57 and 0:45 marks of the third period gave the Celts firm control with a 76-57 lead. Hopkins scored six points during that run.

The Celts shot 60 percent (37 of 62) from the field during the game and sizzled at the 3-point arc, shooting 54 percent (14 of 26) from behind the circle.

With the end of the semester approaching, the Celts will have some time off before their next contest, an exhibition game at NCAA Division I Incarnate Word on Saturday, Dec. 14. The Celts open Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play Friday, Dec. 20, when they visit the University of Dallas.