Post Game InterviewAUSTIN, Texas – The St. Edward's Women's Basketball Team defeated Rogers State, 67-49, Saturday afternoon at the Recreation and Convocation Center to earn its fifth-straight victory and remain undefeated in Heartland Conference play.
Rogers State (2-9, 0-3 HC) jumped out to a hot start, garnering an early four-point lead three minutes into the affair. St. Edward's (10-2, 4-0 HC) kept its composure and found itself with its first lead of the game following a three point basket from
SYDNEY THOMAS with 12:26 left in the half.
The Hilltoppers would continue on a 12-0 run to take a nine-point lead behind seven points from sophomore guard,
MILEKA LOYDRAKE. St. Edward's continued its dominance over the remainder of the half and headed into the lockerroom with a 16-point advantage, 34-18.
Tenacious defense from the Hilltoppers would allow the Hillcats to a mere 25 percent shooting and 16.7 percent from beyond the arc. Loydrake would finish the half with 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting. Senior leader,
KATHLEEN BRISBANE would also contribute with seven points of her own.
The second half would prove no different, as the Hilltoppers quickly gained a commanding 20-point lead.
Following a pair of free throws from Loydrake with 11:37 in the game, the Hilltoppers would hold its largest lead of the afternoon at 25 points.
Nine different Hilltoppers would make contributions offensively as St. Edward's cruised to their 10
th win of the year, defeating the Hillcats 67-49.
Loydrake led all scorers with 17 points on 5-of-8 shooting and hitting 7-of-9 from the charity stripe. Loydrake also handed out four assists. Thomas would finish with an impressive 14 points, six rebounds, and two assists. Meanwhile, Brisbane would end the night with 11 points, four boards, three blocks, and three steals.
After completing its second weekend sweep of conference play, head coach J.J. Riehl said, "I though we played with good effort today. Mel and Syd were both really good for us offensively. Overall, I'm really proud of the girls. We have to continue to stay in the moment and worry about what is in front of us every single day."
The Hilltoppers will look to add to its winning streak when Texas-Permian Basin comes to town, Thursday at 5:30 p.m. Live coverage will be available via the St. Edward's Athletic Website.
