LUBBOCK, Texas –
AUBRIE KING had a career scoring day for St. Edward's Men's Basketball, but the Chaps of Lubbock Christian spoiled the moment as they took down the Hilltoppers, 77-65 in Heartland Conference play.
With the loss, St. Edward's is now 13-5 overall, and 6-4 in the conference. Lubbock Christian improves to 12-6, and also sits at 6-4 in the league.
King went 8-for-13 from the field with six three pointers, scoring 22 and shattering his previous career-high of 14. The sophomore also pulled down four rebounds.
JOHN GRAMLICH had another game in double figures with 14, and
FRANKIE MGBOLU added 10. Mgbolu also led the team in rebounding with seven boards, and
TREY LINDSEY blocked two shots.
"We started the game off very poorly, and never recovered," said head coach Andre Cook. "I credit Lubbock Christian. They came out with more energy, and they were better prepared. We haven't played well in several weeks. We lack any energy or enthusiasm right now. Hopefully coming back home for three-straight (games) will be just what we need."
The Hilltopper's largest lead of the game came less than one minute after tipoff. Despite outscoring Lubbock Christian off the bench, off of turnovers, and on second-chance points, Coach Cook's squad could never gain a lead.
In the first half, St. Edward's forced nine turnovers while only giving up four, but got outscored 38-30. The second half was similar as the turnovers evened out, but the scoring did not. A total of five three pointers from King in the second half pulled the visitors within three, but sharp shooting from the Chaps down the stretch proved too much.
Coach Cook and his team continue conference play at home on Thursday against Rogers State, starting the second half of the league schedule. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30. Live stats and video will be available at GoHilltoppers.com.
| Heartland Conference Standings |
| Team | HC | OVERALL |
| TAMU-International | 8-1 | 13-4 |
| UA Fort Smith | 8-2 | 15-3 |
| Dallas Baptist | 7-2 | 13-4 |
| Rogers State* | 7-3 | 15-3 |
| St. Edward's | 6-4 | 13-5 |
| Lubbock Christian | 6-4 | 12-6 |
| Newman | 4-6 | 11-7 |
| UT-Permian Basin | 4-6 | 9-9 |
| St. Mary's | 2-8 | 6-12 |
| Panhandle State | 1-9 | 8-1- |
| Oklahoma Christian | 1-9 | 4-14 |
| *-Not Eligble for Postseason Play | | |
| | |
| Saturday, January 23 | | |
| Lubbock Christian def. St. Edward's, 77-65 | |
| Dallas Baptist def. St. Mary's, 74-67 | |
| Rogers State def. Oklahoma Christian, 69-67 | |
| UA Fort Smith def. Newman, 79-78 |
| UT-Permian Basin def. Panhandle State, 102-88 |
| | |
| Thursday, January 28 | | |
| Rogers State at St. Edward's | | 7:30 PM |
| Newman at TAMU-International | 7:30 PM |
| Oklahoma Christian at St. Mary's | | 7:30 PM |
| Lubbock Christian at Panhandle State | 7:30 PM |
| UA Fort Smith at UT-Permian Basin | 7:30 PM |
