CLAREMORE, Okla. – The SEU Men's Basketball team is off to their best start ever and improve to 17-1 on the year, 6-0 in Heartland Conference play, after an 88-82 win over Rogers State Saturday afternoon.
 
The lead seesawed back and forth throughout the early part of the first half until the Hilltoppers switched into a higher gear to lead by 12, 39-27, on a layup by RYAN GARZA with 5:10 to go.
 
RSU was able to chip away at the lead and pull within seven points by halftime, 49-42.
 
DORIAN LOPEZ's three just three minutes into the second half pushed the Hilltopper lead back to double digits, 57-47. The Hillcats refused to give in, pulling within five points on five separate occasions including with 3:10 remaining.
 
SEU's robust offense went quiet but they were able to close the game from the free throw line, going 5-6 from the charity stripe down the stretch to secure the win.
 
Garza was explosive off the bench, posting 21 points in 15 minutes while shooting 8-9 from the floor and 5-6 from three-point range. ASHTON SPEARS led all scorers with 26 points while DORIAN LOPEZ and LUCAS DORIA both had double-doubles on the night. Lopez had 19 points and 13 boards while Doria added 12 points and 11 rebounds.
 
St. Edward's returns home to face Lubbock Christian on Thursday evening for a 7:30 pm start.