AUSTIN, Texas – St. Edward's used a hot-shooting first half to defeat Southwestern 101-73 Thursday at the Recreation and Convocation Center.
 
St. Edward's (2-1) shot 63 percent from the floor in the first period as it raced to a 53-23 halftime lead. The Hilltoppers coasted in the second half for their second straight victory. This was the first time for St. Edward's to eclipse the century mark since last season in a 107-93 win over UT-Permian Basin.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• St. Edward's started the game on a 23-6 run in the first eight minutes of action. Senior ETHAN GILBERT canned two shots from behind the arc and sophomore JAMES TAYLOR added six points to spark the run.
• Holding a 39-20 lead with 4:32 remaining in the first half, senior RAMIR BURTON tallied eight points to lead the Hilltoppers on a 14-3 run to end the half and put the game away.
• St. Edward's continued to hit shots as it shot 50 percent from the floor in the second half to keep its lead.

 
HILLTOPPER NOTES

• Taylor shot 9-of-12 from the floor to lead St. Edward's with 18 points.
• Four other Hilltoppers reached double-digit scoring. Burton scored 15 points, while LANDON GOESLING (11), ETHAN GILBERT (10), and SEAN WATKINS (10) all did their part in the win.
• St. Edward's outscored Southwestern, 62-26 in the paint, while also registering 28 points off 21 Pirate turnovers.

 
QUOTE BOARD: HEAD COACH ANDRE COOK
"Southwestern is a quality opponent. They compete hard against us and we do not take them lightly. Tonight's game was a good win and it was in front of a great crowd. We want to play a complete game and tonight we were close."
 
UP NEXT
The Hilltoppers now hit the road for five games as they open the road trip Saturday against Daemon College. Tip-off is set for 12 p.m. CST in Amherst, N.Y. at Lumsden Gymnasium. Live video and stats will be available at www.GoHilltoppers.com.
 
GAME INFORMATION
Score: St. Edward's 101, Southwestern 73
Records: St. Edward's (2-1), Southwestern (1-1)
Leading Scorers: St. Edward's-JAMES TAYLOR (18), Southwestern-Zach Whitlock (12).
Attendance: 478

For the latest updates on the St. Edward's men's basketball team, follow us on Twitter and Facebook at @SEUMBasketball.