Box Score FORT SMITH, Ark. – A big run to start the second half was the difference maker as St. Edward's defeated Arkansas-Fort Smith 76-65 to improve to 16-1 on the year and a perfect 5-0 in Heartland Conference play.
 
After a tight opening 10 minutes Corey McKendree's dunk, assisted by ASHTON SPEARS, put the Hilltoppers up seven, 28-21 with 4:54 to play in the half. SEU led almost the entire first half but went into the break locked at 39-39.
 
St. Edward's started the second half strong, outscoring UAFS 21-9 in the opening eight minutes to lead 60-48. The Lions clawed their way back into the game, pulling within four, 64-60, with just over five minutes remaining.
 
Spears hit an acrobatic layup and a put back by LUCAS DORIA on the missed free throw got the Hilltoppers back in the action, pushing their lead back to ten, 70-60, with 3:37 to go.
 
The Hilltoppers easily handled things down the stretch as UAFS attempted to shake things up with a press, securing the win from the free throw line.
 
Spears led offensively with 26 points while COREY SHERVILL and LUCAS DORIA both posted double-doubles. Shervill chipped in 13 points and 13 rebounds while Doria added 13 points and 10 boards.
 
SEU shot 43.3% from the field and 31% from three-point range while out-rebounding the Lions 44-33.
 
The Hilltoppers take their ten-game win streak to Claremore, Okla. Saturday, facing Rogers State at 3 pm.