AUSTIN, Texas – St. Edward's put on a show defensively in front of their home crowd to kick of their home season, defeating Southwestern 58-38. The Hilltoppers forced the Pirates into 31 turnovers while recording 17 steals in the win.

Both teams' offenses were slow to start as they sized up the competition throughout the first quarter but the Hilltopper defense was outstanding right from the tip. SEU held the Pirates to just three first quarter field goals while forcing SU into six turnovers. At the end of the first, St. Edward's held a slight six point advantage, 14-8.

SEU stepped their offense up in the second quarter and dominated the final four minutes, mounting a ten point lead, 26-16, with a 6-0 run. Southwestern was able to cut the lead to seven from the free throw line by halftime, 26-19.

BAILEY HILL's three to open the third quarter pushed SEU's lead back to 10 just 30 seconds into the frame and started a run for the Hilltoppers that saw their lead go to 14, 38-24. By the end of the third the SEU lead had grown to 15, 45-30.

With the game confidently in hand the Hilltoppers pressed on, leading by as many as 25, 58-33, with 1:40 to play on CHRISTINA MASON's three-pointer.

ISABEL HERNANDEZ led all scorers with 12 points on 5-11 shooting, 2-4 from three point range. MARYAM WILCHER and BAILEY HILL added 10 each while ABBY HOPPER posted a team high eight rebounds.

The Hilltoppers improve to 3-0 on the year and return to the road to face Texas A&M Commerce on Friday at 7 pm.