Box Score GOODWELL, Okla. – Four Hilltoppers scored in double figures leading St. Edward's to a victory over the Aggies of Panhandle State, 82-63 on Saturday afternoon. St. Edward's improves to 14-6 overall (9-5 Heartland Conference) and now sit in second place in the Heartland Conference.
 
Head coach J.J. Riehl commented after today's win, "I was happy with our play in the second half. We played our game and got the ball up the floor, playing a more up-tempo style of play."
 
The game got off to a fast start with the Hilltoppers taking the lead, 12-9, seven minutes into the contest. The Aggies answered with four-straight points and took the lead 14-13 at the 12-minute mark. MADDIE WHEELER and CASEY RILEY knocked down three buckets from downtown and VALENCIA WHITE made a jumper to increase the Hilltopper lead to 12 points.
 
Panhandle State responded and chipped into the Hilltopper lead with a 6-0 run. St. Edward's led at that point, 29-23 with four minutes remaining in the half. Both teams exchanged baskets for the remainder of the half and the Hilltoppers took a 33-26 advantage into the lockerroom.
 
ERIKA ROUSCULP got things going for St. Edward's, scoring on the Hilltoppers first possession of the second half. After the Aggies narrowed the lead to five points at the 17:53 mark, the Hilltoppers went on an 11-0 run and took a 48-32 lead with 14 minutes remaining. Wheeler, MILEKA LOYDRAKE, and KATHLEEN BRISBANE all got in on the scoring during the run.
 
Riehl continued, "I thought we had a very balanced effort offensively this afternoon. Maddie (Wheeler) was as consistent as she has been all year. Mel (Loydrake) stepped up in the second half and started playing her game. Kat (Brisbane) was steady with 12 points and 12 rebounds. "
 
Much like the end of the first half, both squads traded buckets throughout the middle of the second half. CASEY RILEY started an 11-5 run with a three-pointer. STEPHANIE DEKKERS and Wheeler got in on the three-point party during the run. Wheeler capped off the run with four consecutive points and St. Edward's had their biggest lead of the game 72-47 with just over five minutes to play.
 
JAIMIE KADLECEK sealed the victory for the Hilltoppers swishing a three-pointer from the top of the key with 2:11 left to play. The Aggies cut into lead late, but it was too little too late, as St. Edward's would go onto victory, 82-63.
 
"Jaimie (Kadlecek), Casey (Riley), and Valencia (White) off the bench were huge," stated Riehl. "I thought they provided a spark and boost of energy that we really needed."
 
Wheeler led the Hilltoppers with 16 points. MILEKA LOYDRAKE scored 13 points and JAIMIE KADLECEK chipped in 10 points. Kat Brisbane scored 12 points and grabbed 12 rebounds recording a double-double. ERIKA ROUSCULP also grabbed 12 rebounds. STEPHANIE DEKKERS continueed to be floor general as she dished out eight assists.
 
"Two stat columns that are always telling for this team is assists and rebounding, and we dominated both of those," said Riehl. "Erika (Rousculp), Kat (Brisbane), and Valencia (White) were huge on the boards and really helped us pull away in the second half. Stephanie with the eight assists is always a great indication of how well we are executing our offensive sets."
 
"Riehl closed her statement, "As always with this year, we are constantly learning and growing. We've got to work on our consistency and maintaining our mental focus. We will get to work again Monday and look forward to competing again next Saturday against McMurry."
 
The Hilltoppers will be back in action on Saturday as they return home to take on McMurry. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m. at the Recreation and Convocation Center on the St. Edward's campus. Live video and stats will be available through the Hilltopper Athletic Website.