Box Score ODESSA, Texas – CASEY RILEY swished a mid-range jumper with 6.8 seconds remaining to lift St. Edward's past UT-Permian Basin, 61-60, Thursday evening at the Falcon Dome. With the victory, the Hilltoppers improve to 17-7 overall (12-6 Heartland Conference) and still remain in second place with two regular season games remaining.
"What a big win for the girls," said head coach
J.J. Riehl after the game. "I couldn't be prouder of their fight, effort and determination."
Riehl continued, "It was a total team effort tonight, everyone really stepped up and did what was asked of them. I cannot say enough positive things about our poise, leadership, and toughness."
UT-Permian Basin (6-18, 5-14 HC) controlled the pace of play early jumping on the Hilltoppers by opening up a five-point lead through the first six minutes of play. The Falcons pushed their lead to six points, 15-9 with 13:22 remaining.
The Hilltoppers fought back with a 5-0 run behind the scoring of
HALEY MEEKINS and
PERI EWIN. UT-Permian Basin scored back-to-back three point baskets and quickly extended their lead to seven points, 21-14.
After a scoring lull that lasted more than four minutes for both teams, St. Edward's battled their way back into the game. Like before, they cut the deficit to one point, but couldn't take their first lead. Riley, Meekins, and Loydrake all contributed during the run.
The Falcons went on a 9-1 run and saw their biggest lead of the first half, 38-30 with just under two minutes to play. Free throws by Meekins and Riley helped St. Edward's minimize the damage and went into the break trailing, 38-33.
UT-Permian Basin opened the second half with several buckets and grew its lead to 10 points. That was the largest lead of the game. It was at this point that the resilient Hilltopper squad scrapped their way back into the game.
St. Edward's went on a 7-0 run over a seven-minute span to cut the lead to three points. The Hilltopper defense didn't allow a single point for UT-Permian Basin from the 17:12 mark to the 11:51 mark in the second half. The Falcons ended the drought with two foul shots.
The Hilltoppers trimmed the lead to one point for the third and fourth time, but each time that happened, UT-Permian Basin had an answer.
Loydrake again cut the Falcon lead to one point with a layup. She eventually tied the game converting on one of two foul shots with 1:45 remaining. UT-Permian Basin earned a trip to the free throw line with 52 seconds left and connected on one of two shots from the line and held the one-point advantage.
The St. Edward's defense came up with a turnover with 26 seconds left to play. Riley eventually ended up with the ball on the right side of the floor. She penetrated and pulled up for a jumper and she swished it for the first Hilltopper lead. The Falcons had one last chance with 3.8 seconds, but failed to convert and St. Edward's took the victory, 61-60.
"Casey's (Riley) shot was clutch. I'm really proud of her and how she has stepped up for her team," concluded Riehl.
The Hilltoppers will be back in action on Saturday as they travel to Lubbock to take on Heartland Conference newcomer Lubbock Christian. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m. at the Rip Griffin Center on the Lubbock Christian campus. Live video and stats will be available through the Chaps Athletic Website.
