Box Score AUSTIN, Texas – After trailing Incarnate Word for most of the contest, St. Edward's rallied late, but its last-second three-pointer missed the mark as they fell to the Cardinals, 84-81, Saturday evening at the Recreation and Convocation Center.
 
In the first 10 minutes of action, it was Incarnate Word (2-0) who controlled the tempo as it took a 26-14 advantage at the 10:06 mark. Dionelle Rucker led the way with six points, while Kelcey Soloman added four points, which included a breakaway dunk.
 
St. Edward's (1-1) would then embark on a 12-2 run over the next two minutes to cut the lead to 28-26, with 8:07 left in the first half. JEFF CAMPBELL was the catalyst as he nailed two shots from behind the arc to help get the Hilltoppers back in the game.
 
A three-point play by SHIMEEK JOHNSON at the 2:45 mark gave St. Edward's the advantage, 38-36, however, the Cardinals responded by ending the half on a 9-3 run to take a four-point advantage in the break.
 
In the second half both teams would play neck and neck. It wasn't until the 10-minute mark that Incarnate Word would gather some momentum. A layup by Mitchell Badillo gave the Cardinals a 66-57 lead with 10:02 on the clock.
 
The Hilltoppers would mount a rally as two free throws by JAMES STUKES with 8:13 remaining cut the lead to three. JOHN RUTHERFORD came off of the bench for St. Edward's and calmly hit two shots from behind the arc. The second one gave the Hilltoppers the lead, 70-69, with 7:26 left on the clock. The lead would change hands five times over the final seven minutes. They would also go 4-for-4 from the charlity stripe to keep the Hilltoppers at bay. Down three points with 4.5 seconds remaining, Jones and Johnson both had looks at the trey, but neither could hit, as St. Edward's  drop the contest.
 
Johnson led the Hilltoppers with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Jones chipped in with 15 points and three assists. Stukes tallied 12 points and a team-high four steals.
 
St. Edward's will be back in action Monday when they host Southwestern. Kick off set for 7 p.m. at the Recreation and Convocation Center. Live Video and Stats for all tournament games will be available on the Hilltopper Athletic Website.