SAN ANTONIO, Texas - The St. Edward's Men's Basketball team defeated UT-Permian Basin, 78-70, Friday evening in the Heartland Conference semifinals at Bill Greehey Arena. After being picked ninth in the preseason by league coaches, the win sends the Hilltoppers to the Heartland Conference tournament championship, which is set for Saturday against St. Mary's (19-9).
 
St. Edward's (22-7) stunned UT-Permian Basin (17-12) in the opening minutes of the first frame, going on a 13-2 run. The Falcons brought it within six points, but two three-pointers from AUBRIE KING and ETHAN GILBERT widened the gap to 29-14, with 7:47 remaining.
 
The lead would swell to its largest at 17 points after another three-pointer from King with 5:19 remaining. The Hilltoppers would coast the rest of the first half and take a 42-29 advantage into the break.
 
In the second half, the Falcons came out firing, going on a 14-6 run in the half's first four minutes. However six points from RAMIR BURTON and five more from FRANKIE MGBOLU answered the bell for St. Edward's as they went on an 11-2 run over the next four minutes.
 
Eight points would be as close as the Falcons would get the rest of the way as Burton controlled the game with 16 second-half points.
 
Burton finished leading all scorers with 25 points to go along with five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Mgbolu and Nussman added offensively with 17 and 10 points, respectively. Nussman also collected a double-double with 13 rebounds to go along with four blocks.
 
UT-Permian Basin swept the two-game series during the regular season, but the Hilltoppers got the victory when it mattered the most.
 
The Hilltoppers continue Heartland Conference tournament play as they take on St. Mary's tomorrow in the championship game. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. at Bill Greehey Arena. Live coverage will be available on the Rattler Athletic Website. This will be the third installment of the Battle of the Saints, with each team winning big on their own home court.