Box Score AUSTIN, Texas – Kat Brisbane led all scores with 16 points in a convincing 80-54 victory over Heartland Conference opponent Panhandle State. The Hilltoppers improves to 8-1 overall and have a perfect 3-0 record in conference play after a 22-day break from their previous game.
 
"It felt really good to be back on the floor for a game," commented St. Edward's head coach J.J. Riehl. "I know the kids have been itching to play. The first half we were off a bit, our timing, intensity and overall effort, but we regrouped and played a much better second half."
 
St. Edward's opened the game leading 9-5 during the opening three minutes of action. Brisbane scored the first four points for St. Edward's. MADDIE WHEELER added a bucket from downtown while MILEKA LOYDRAKE connected on a layup.
 
"Kat (Brisbane) had her best offensive game yet and that is big for her confidence going forward," said Riehl.
 
The Hilltoppers pushed their lead to 14 points just under the nine-minute mark of the first half. Brisbane scored another four points while HALEY MEEKINS and CASEY RILEY contributed off the bench.
 
Panhandle State went on an 8-0 run to cut the lead to six points at the 6:48 mark. St. Edward's responded with a 6-0 run to extend the lead back to double digits, 32-20. The Hilltoppers went into the locker room leading, 41-31.
 
STEPHANIE DEKKERS opened the second half with an easy layup. Her teammates followed the trend and scored nine-consecutive points through the first five minutes of play of the second half. The Hilltoppers led 54-31 at that point.
 
Over the next several minutes, the teams exchanged points until the Hilltoppers increased their lead to 31 points with 3:47 left in the contest. St. Edward's extended the lead to 32 with foul shots by VALENCIA WHITE. The Aggies connected on a couple of baskets to trim the lead, but the Hilltoppers held on for the 80-54 victory.
 
Wheeler added 15 points, and Loydrake chipped in 11 to go with Brisbane's 16. Rousculp led in the rebounding category, grabbing 11 boards on the night. White added nine rebounds to the stat sheet. Dekkers distributed nine assists and stole the ball five times. CASEY RILEY also played stingy defense and had five steals.
 
Riehl commented on the defensive effort from Dekkers and Riley, "I was really pleased with our defensive pressure and intensity. Casey (Riley) and Stephanie (Dekkers) really led the charge with five steals each and they got the team energized and going."
 
"Stephanie (Dekkers) with nine assists was huge. She did a great job running the team," Riehl commented after the game. Riehl added, "Erika (Rousculp) responded after getting in foul trouble with a solid second half and best of all she took two huge charges."
 
The Hilltoppers will be back in action Saturday as they host Newman at the Recreation and Convocation Center on the campus of St. Edward's. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. Live video and stats will be available through the Hilltopper athletic website.