Highlights

AUSTIN, Texas - The St. Edward's Men's Basketball team suffered its first loss of the season as it fell to UT-Permian Basin, 78-64 Thursday evening at the Recreation and Convocation Center.
 
St. Edward's (12-1, 4-1 HC) and UT-Permian Basin (9-4, 4-1 HC) went toe-to-toe in the opening minutes of the first frame. Hilltopper JOHN GRAMLICH hit a three-pointer to put the home team up, 10-8. The Falcons went on an eight-point run to stretch the lead to 18-12. St. Edward's would not be counted out. A three-point play from RAMIR BURTON and layup by QUINTON LILLEY brought the Hilltoppers within two points, 20-18, with 6:51 remaining.
 
Chris Griffin of UT-Permian Basin caught rhythm, hitting a three-pointer to again extend the lead. A layup by FRANKIE MGBOLU capped off a 7-0 run by the Hilltoppers, making the score 26-25 in favor of the visitors. With 1:05 on the clock, Stephan Thompson hit a jumper to give the Falcons a 30-27 edge. TREY LINDSEY answered with a three off of an assist from Mgbolu as the clock wound down, tying the game, 30-30, at the break.
 
UT-Permian Basin's Codye Hatcher opened up the second half hot, registering a quick seven points to capture the lead, 39-38. Gramlich came out of the lockerroom with a hot hand as well, finding rhythm from three-ball range with three triples. His third three of the half brought the Hilltoppers within one point, 42-41, with 15:18 remaining in the contest. Nine-unanswered points from the visiting team brought the count to 53-46.
 
St. Edward's rallied back with a 5-0 run, including a three-pointer from JAE RICKETTS. Falcon Chris Griffin responded with a three-pointer of his own to end the Hilltopper's comeback effort, and bring the score to 56-51. St. Edward's would come within two points as ETHAN GILBERT nailed a jumper with 5:59 remaining, but the Falcons managed to hold the Hilltoppers off for the rest of regulation. A three-pointer from Madison Turner of UT-Permian Basin extended the lead to 67-58, and effectively ended the game. The Falcons would finish the match, 78-64.  
 
Big-man HARLEY NUSSMAN had a notable defensive performance, recording six blocks, one steal and nine boards. Gramlich led the team with 17 points and going 5-for-10 from beyond the arc. Mgbolu registered 13 points, six rebounds, four assists and one steal.
 
St. Edward's continues conference play Monday as they take on the Dallas Baptist at 7 p.m. at the Burg Center in Dallas. Live coverage will be available on the Patriot Athletic Website.