AUSTIN, Texas- The St. Edward's Men's Basketball team defeated Oklahoma Christian, 80-61, Thursday evening in the Recreation and Convocation Center. The win keeps the Hilltoppers chances alive for a berth into the Heartland Conference Tournament with one game to play.
 
Six minutes into the contest, St. Edward's (20-7, 12-7 HC) and Oklahoma Christian (6-19, 4-15 HC) were locked up at, 10-10. After the Hilltoppers had a chance to warm up, the game took a turn. The home team went on a 9-2 run including three-pointers from RAMIR BURTON and AUBRIE KING. After a timeout, King and ETHAN GILBERT kept the momentum going with back-to-back three-pointers. Burton claimed eight points in the Hilltoppers 15-2 tear, helping give St. Edward's a 25-14 advantage.
 
The Eagles responded, scoring five unanswered points to close the gap to six points. With 3:39 to go in the first frame, Oklahoma Christian was short nine points of the Hilltoppers. St. Edward's JOHN GRAMLICH checked-in again and registered a quick seven points to extend the lead. HARLEY NUSSMAN capped off Gramlich's play with a layup of his own. The Hilltoppers entered halftime ahead, 37-27.
 
As the second half began, St. Edward's stepped on the gas. The Hilltoppers outscored the visiting team 18-7 in the opening minutes of the second half. At the 13:43 mark, St. Edward's had a 56-34 edge. John Moon and Eric Randall did their best to cut away at the 20-plus point lead. A layup from Moon off an assist from Randall brought the tally to 60-49 with 9:17 to go.
 
Nussman went to work for the Hilltoppers, scoring six points in the final five minutes to widen the gap back to 20 points, 75-55. FRANKIE MGBOLU had a notable role in the second-half damage with his 12 points, four boards, three assists and three steals.
 
Burton led the Hilltoppers with 19 points, two rebounds and an assist. Mgbolu finished with 14 points, six boards, five assists and four steals. Nussman registered a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
 
In their last game of regular season play, the Hilltoppers take on Newman. Tip-off is set for Saturday, 3:30 p.m. in the RCC. The game is also been deemed Senior Day, to go along with Homecoming festivities. Live coverage will be available on the Hilltopper Athletic Website.