AUSTIN, Texas – The St. Edward's Women's Basketball team got a career-high 25 points and nine rebounds from KHIANI CLARK to defeat Panhandle State in front of a Homecoming crowd Saturday afternoon at the Recreation and Convocation Center. The home game was also the final one of Hilltopper Senior ATEH ADE career.
 
Clark was 10-of-18 from the field in 34 minutes of action. LEXI FATHEREE added 15 points while ABBY HOPPER produced 13 points and five rebounds off of the bench. SHAKERA BARNES chipped in with 10 points and five rebounds.
 
St. Edward's (10-14, 8-8 HC) outscored Panhandle State (2-22, 1-15 HC) in every quarter but the Aggies held close the entire way. The visitors actually held a 26-19 advantage with 4:49 left in the second quarter. Fatheree took care of business from there, as the junior scored seven points as part of a 13-2 run to close out the half. That gave the Hilltoppers a 32-28 lead at the break.
 
In the second half, Clark came out firing. The forward had nine points as St. Edward's built a double-digit lead, 53-42, with 1:13 left in the third quarter.
 
Panhandle State was able to get within four points on two occasions in the fourth quarter but clutch free throw shooting in the final minute (6-of-6) by the Hilltoppers put the game away.
 
St. Edward's can point to two categories for the win. The Hilltoppers forced the Aggies into 24 turnovers in which St. Edward's converted into 27 points. They also outrebounded the Aggies, 48-33 on the afternoon.
 
"Give Panhandle State some credit as they played very well offensively," head coach J.J. Riehl said. "Down the stretch our inside game took over. We did a great job on the boards and took care of the ball. We had more possessions and that was the difference."
 
In a ceremony held after the game, Ade was honored by her team and the crowd.
 
"I am just filled with joy," Ade said. "We ended the home season with a phenomenal bang. I didn't want this moment to end."
 
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 5:30 p.m. Live video and stats will be available on the Eagle Athletic Website. They also face Newman on Saturday afternoon.