DALLAS, Texas – In a log jammed Heartland Conference race, St. Edward's was looking to take down conference-leading Dallas Baptist and inch its way closer to the top of the league standings. In a hard-fought contest that lasted three overtimes, Dallas Baptist outlasted the Hilltoppers, 80-78, Saturday afternoon at the Burg Center.
 
St. Edward's (15-7, 8-6 HC) was led by TREY LINDSEY's 16 points, while QUINTON LILLEY had a monster game with 12 points and a career-high 14 rebounds. JOHN GRAMLICH added 12 points and FRANKIE MGBOLU chipped in with 10.
 
Trailing for the majority of the first half, St. Edward's got a three-pointer from AUBRIE KING at the buzzer to cut the lead to 31-27 at the break. The Hilltoppers rode that momentum into the second half and took a 38-37 lead with 14:36 remaining. The lead would change hands four times down the stretch.
 
Trailing by one point with just under two minutes to play, Gramlich made a running layup to give the visitors the lead. After a turnover by Dallas Baptist (16-5, 10-3 HC), FRANKIE MGBOLU was fouled. He made just one of two free throws to give St. Edward's a 58-56 lead. Joel Miller made two free throws for the Patriots to tie the game. King's layup try was off the mark and the two teams headed to overtime.
 
In the first overtime, it was Dallas Baptist that raced to an early five-point lead, but back-to-back buckets from RAMIR BURTON and Mgbolu brought the Hilltoppers to within, 67-66. A rebound putback by Lilley tied the game with four seconds left and he was fouled. Lilley missed the foul shot and they headed to a second overtime.
 
In the second extra frame, Dallas Baptist had a chance at the buzzer to win the game, but a three-pointer from Jonathan Perry was an air ball.
 
Late in the third overtime, Lilley again had an offensive rebound and putback that tied the game with 25 seconds left. However, the Patriots received a layup from Patrick Burke with 4.1 seconds remaining to give the home team a two-point lead. SEAN WATKINS' heave at the buzzer was off the mark and the Hilltoppers were left heartbroken.
 
"This one hurts," head coach Andre Cook said. "Nothing I can say to the guys will make them feel better. But, I can't be more proud of this group. They battled so hard and wanted this win so badly. We are getting better as a team and I believe we are going to really hit our stride as February continues."
 
St. Edward's will be back in action Thursday when they travel to take on Heartland Conference rival St. Mary's. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m. in San Antonio. Live video and stats will be available on the Rattler Athletic Website.