AUSTIN, Texas – QUINTON LILLEY tallied a team-high 18 points to lead five players in double-figure scoring as St. Edward's defeated Panhandle State, 95-73, Saturday afternoon at the Recreation and Convocation Center. The day was filled with festivities, as it was Homecoming and Senior Day on the hilltop.
 
Lilley was 8-for-10 from the floor as he scored 14 of his 18 points in the second half. He also had six rebounds and six assists in the final frame. RAMIR BURTON finished with 15 points and seven assists, while JOHN GRAMLICH added 17 points, six assists and three steals. ETHAN GILBERT registered 15 points and eight assists, and TREY LINDSEY chipped in with 10 points.
 
St. Edward's (17-9, 10-8 HC) started the game off on fire with an 11-0 run in the first three minutes of play. The Hilltoppers did their damage from downtown as they hit three shot from behind the arc. Gramlich had two of the treys to spark the opening run.
 
Seven-straight points by Antonio Manns, Jr. brought Panhandle State (8-18, 1-17 HC) within 17-13 with 10:48 remaining. However, St. Edward's sent the crowd into an uproar with two dunks that were part of a 10-0 run over the next two minutes. That sprung the home team to a 27-13 lead with 8:25 remaining.
 
The Aggies responded with a mini run to cut the deficit to a manageable difference, but a 10-2 run by St. Edward's in the final two minutes gave the Hilltoppers a commanding 48-30 lead at the break.
 
The lead would grow to as many as 26 points in the second half, but Panhandle State hung around. They cut the lead 74-62, with 8:14 left in the contest, but that is when the Hilltopper offense responded. Gramlich had seven points down the stretch, which included a four-point play. Lilley was also key as he scored eight points in the final five minutes of action.
 
"This was my last game at home and I wanted to make it special," Lilley said. "I have really grown up as a person and as a player these last two years. I have to thank my parents and coaches for giving me the opportunity to do that. Today was real special for all us seniors."
 
St. Edward's will now hit the road for the final two road games of the regular season. They will take on Oklahoma Christian Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. Live video and stats will be available on the Eagle Athletic Website. They also face Newman on Saturday afternoon.