OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – HARLEY NUSSMAN's tip-in at the buzzer kept the Hilltoppers undefeated as it bested Oklahoma Christian, 55-54, Tuesday evening in the Heartland Conference opener for both teams at the Eagles' Nest.
 
With St. Edward's (9-0, 1-0 HC) leading by five points, 47-42, with 9:03 remaining, Oklahoma Christian (2-5, 0-1 HC) responded with an 8-0 run over the next five minutes to give the home team a three-point lead with 3:58 left in the contest.
 
Two free throws and a bucket by RAMIR BURTON over the next two minutes gave the Hilltoppers back the lead. A pair of free throws by Eric Randall and Burton switched the lead back and forth. It was St. Edward's who had the one-point advantage with 29 seconds left.
 
Jordan Rutherford hit a jumper with five seconds remaining that set the Hilltoppers up for the final possession. Burton jumper was off of the mark, but Nussman was there for the offensive board and put back as the buzzer sounded.
 
The victory kept the Hilltoppers undefeated and off to the second-best start in school history. The 1993-94 team started the season 11-0.
 
JOHN GRAMLICH led the Hilltoppers with a game-high 19 points to go along with his three rebounds and two steals. Burton tallied 14 points and four assists, while Nussman chipped in with eight points and eight rebounds.
 
St. Edward's will next face Newman on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. on their conference road trip. The game will be available to follow on the Jet athletic website.