Postgame Interview - J.J. Riehl

AUSTIN, Texas - The St. Edward's Women's Basketball team grinded out a 68-59 victory over crosstown rival Southwestern Wednesday night at the Recreation and Convocation Center.
 
The Hilltoppers, who struggled offensively on the night, would jump out to an early 5-0 lead behind baskets from KATHLEEN BRISBANE and LEXI FATHEREE.
 
As the first half continued, Southwestern (1-4) would fight hard to stay close; however, St. Edward's (5-1) would gain a 13-point lead behind five-straight points from MILEKA LOYDRAKE.
 
As the first half came to an end, the Hilltoppers led 34-23 behind 10 points from Loydrake.
 
Quickly into the second half, St. Edward's increased its lead to 13 points with 18:44 left to play. Over the next five minutes, the Hilltoppers would increase its lead to 16 with 13:53 remaining.
 
Determined to pull off a dramatic upset, Southwestern would refuse to surrender. With six minutes left to play a three-point basket by the Pirates would cut the lead to four.
 
Fortunately, that would be as close as Southwestern would get, compliments of excellent free-throw shooting by St. Edward's. On the night the Hilltoppers would drain 21-of-25 free throw attempts.
 
St. Edward's would fight off the scare and hold on for a 68-59 victory.
 
On the night, the Hilltoppers shot 32 percent from the field and 24 percent from beyond the arc. Loydrake tallied a team high 19 points while Fatheree followed with 14 of her own. KHIANI CLARK tallied her first double-double of her Hilltopper career with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
 
"Obviously tonight was not our best performance," head coach JJ Riehl said of her team.
 
"On the bright side, our rebounding and free throw shooting were positives. As a whole, we have to continue to get better everyday. We must continue to grow and mature as a team," Riehl said.
 
The Hilltoppers will look for a quality regional win this Saturday as they take on Angelo State. Tip off is set for 2 p.m. at the Junnell Center. Live audio and stats will be available through the RamBelle Athletic Website.