LAKEWOOD, Colo. – St. Edward's University Men's Basketball (2-0) turned in another strong performance on Saturday night with a 85-80 win over Colorado Christian (0-2) at the Heartland/Rocky Mountain Conference Tip-Off.
 
The Hilltoppers remain undefeated early in the regular season behind a strong core of returners with 16 points and seven boards from QUINTON LILLEY. Another four Toppers scored in double digits with FRANKIE MGBOLU grabbing 14, JOHN GRAMLICH adding 13 and the dua of JAMES TAYLOR and TREY LINDSEY adding 10 each. JOHN GRAMLICH and Mgbolu also teamed up to lead the team in rebounding, pulling down eight apiece. On defense Lindsey and Mgbolu collected a combined eight steals.

"This was a game we had to grind out. It's never easy to win on the road," said head coach Andre Cook. "However, we have seasoned, veteran guys. Colorado Christian gave us all we could handle, but I'm proud of our guys winning this challenge for the second year in a row."
 
St. Edward's stormed out of the gates, racing to a 23-7 lead behind a 17-0 run with eight of those points coming from Gramlich. However, the Cougars would cut the Hilltopper lead to single digits at 31-22. A free throw from CCU would pull the host team within five, but AUBRIE KING would respond with a three-point bucket to hold the opposition at bay. Coach Cook's team would maintain their lead, but a three pointer from the Cougars as time expired would make it 44-35 at the half.
 
In the second half Colorado Christian would outscore the Hilltopers 45-41, but quality free-throw shooting down the stretch would help the visitors clinch the win and remain undefeated. The win marks Coach Cook's sixth-straight 2-0 start.
 
The Hilltoppers continue play on Tuesday with their home opener against Southwestern at 7 p.m. in the Recreation and Convocation Center. Fans who are unable to make to the hilltop can follow live stats and video online at www.GoHilltoppers.com.