AUSTIN, Texas - The St. Edward's Men's Basketball Team defeated Trinity, 77-60, Tuesday evening in the Recreation and Convocation Center.
 
St. Edward's (5-0) earned an 8-1 lead five minutes into the first frame. The home team heated up quickly, finding rhythm outside the arc and putting Trinity (0-5) on its heels. The Hilltoppers shot 42.9 percent from three-point range to Trinity's 20.0 percent. With Trinity trailing 33-14 with 4:50 remaining, A.J. Pulliam would carry the Tigers on an 8-3 run over the next two minutes, going 6-for-6 from the line and capping it off with a dunk at the 2:52 mark to bring the score to 36-22. The only problem for the Tigers was that TREY LINDSEY also had two back-to-back three-point plays during that span. The Hilltoppers would go into the break with a 38-26 lead.
 
The story of the second half was senior Hilltopper HARLEY NUSSMAN, who scored 14 of his 18 in the later frame. At the 8:34 mark, SEAN WATKINS threw Nussman an alleyoop to put St. Edward's ahead 57-42. Although Pulliam tried to rally the Tigers, but his 15 second-half points would not be enough. Utilizing a full-court press, the Hilltoppers forced two consecutive turnovers amounting to four points and a 17-point lead. The home team would go on to capture the 77-60 win.
 
Nussman led St. Edward's in its victory registering a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. He also recorded two blocks. JOHN GRAMLICH shot 6-of-10 from the field and hit three three-pointers to contribute 15 points. QUINTON LILLEY had a good game off of the bench with five points, four rebounds and four assists from his forward position.
 
The Hilltoppers are back in action on Friday, as they take on St. Thomas in their first game of the St. Edward's Catholic College Tip-Off Classic. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. Live video and statistics will be available on the Hilltopper Athletic Website.