AUSTIN, Texas – A valiant comeback from the St. Edward's Women's Basketball team fell short Thursday night at the Recreation and Convocation Center, as the Hilltoppers fell to Oklahoma Christian, 58-56, after erasing a 13-point halftime deficit.
 
A slow start from the Hilltoppers would put them at a five-point disadvantage early in the contest. However, St. Edward's (15-10, 9-8 HC) would find its way to a four point first half lead with 12:34 remaining in the half.
 
Oklahoma Christian (12-13, 9-8 HC) would take advantage of the Hilltoppers' 20 percent shooting in the first half, going on a 13-0 run of its own and taking a 13-point lead into the locker room.
 
St. Edward's would come out of the dressing room with much more energy and enthusiasm in the second half, quickly cutting into the deficit. The Hilltoppers started the half on a 9-0 run and closed the gap, cutting the Eagles lead to six.
 
Later in the half, a three pointer from senior, JAIMIE KADLECEK, would cut into the deficit again, making the score, 39-35 with 12:28 left to play.
 
Another three pointer from Kadlecek with 6:37 remaining would eventually put the Hilltoppers down just one. The sharp shooter, attempting to put her team on her back, would hit one more three with 4:36 left to play, as she skipped back on defense with a smile on her face, having gave her team the lead for the first time on the night.
 
St. Edward's would garner a four-point lead with 2:34 remaining, following a free throw from KHIANI CLARK.
 
Unfortunately, Oklahoma Christian would end the game on a 6-0 run, stealing a win from St. Edward's on the last weekend of conference play.
 
"We did not come out ready to play tonight and dug ourselves a big hole that we were not able to dig out of. On the defensive end in the second half, we came up with the stops we needed; however, were not able to come up with the loose balls," head coach J.J. Riehl said.
 
"Jaimie was huge for us. She knocked down some big shots, but equally important was her energy and effort that the team really fed off of," Riehl said of her senior who finished the night with a career-high 14 points on 4-of-6 shooting from beyond the arc.
 
Sophomore, MILEKA LOYDRAKE led all scorers with 17 points on the night. LEXI FATHEREE would also pour in 13 points in the effort.  
The Hilltoppers will be back in action Saturday as Newman comes to town. Saturday also marks the final home game of the season, not to mention Senior Day and Homecoming. Live coverage will be available via the St. Edward's Athletic Website.